Posted on 08/05/2018 9:17:27 PM PDT by robowombat
All 20 people on board World War II plane die after Swiss Alps crash
Nearly 5,000 of the World War II Ju-52 planes were manufactured between 1932 and 1952.
Nearly 5,000 of the World War II Ju-52 planes were manufactured between 1932 and 1952. Photo: AP All 20 people on board an old World War II propeller plane have died after crashing in the Swiss Alps during a sightseeing flight.
The Junker Ju-52 struck the Piz Segnas mountain's western flank about 2,540 meters (8,330 feet) above sea level, killing 17 passengers and three crew members, police revealed in a press conference Sunday.
Eleven men and nine women were killed, most from Switzerland but also a couple and their son from Austria, officials said.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to be “relatively complex”. Swiss officials said they are not aware of any distress call from the plane.
Daniel Knecht, of the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board, said the plane appears to have hit the ground near-vertically and at high speed in the crash. The old World War II planes are used by a Swiss company that offers sightseeing tours. The old World War II planes are used by a Swiss company that offers sightseeing tours. Credit: AP Mr Knecht said the vintage plane presumably did not have the crash-resistant cockpit voice and data recorders that more modern aircraft have.
He said officials have essentially ruled out a collision with another aircraft or hitting an obstacle such as a wire.
He also said there is no indication of foul play or that the aircraft lost parts or broke up before the crash.
The crash occurred above the Swiss Alpine resort of Flims, an area popular with hikers and skiers.
The plane is operated by Ju-Air, a company based in Duebendorf, near Zurich, that offers panoramic flights with old-time Junker Ju-52 planes. Nearly 5,000 Ju-52 planes were manufactured between 1932 and 1952.
I wonder if it was the one that was used in the Clint Eastwood movie -Where Eagles Dare? There can’t too many of these in flying condition left.
Wasn’t Richard Burton his commanding officer?
Yes and Eastwood was 2nd billing in starring credits, too. Probably the last time that happened.
Great film from ~1968...
Hitler’s personal plane, as seen in the propaganda film, “Triumph of the Will,” was a Ju 52.
Flying in the high mountains can be tricky. There can be unexpected severe downdrafts when the wind shifts. We like to have at least a couple thousand feet below us just to be safe.
Flying up a box canyon when there is wind coming over the top of the ridge can turn into a serious problem. The wind coming over the ridge can create a serious downdraft. Turning at high altitudes can easily take twice the distance than at sea level especially if you don’t have any room to descend. I suspect something like this was a factor in this tragic mishap.
Wasn’t something like the cause of the Cal Poly team plane crash in the 1970’s.?
I am not sure. My wife gets very nervous in the mountains because our plane is not very powerful. So we try to give ourselves a very healthy safety margin.
Why I love FR.
The war ended over 75 years ago. Why are we just now hearing about this?
{:-)
Watching the opening scenes of "Where Eagles Dare" I was always struck by the majestic cinematography of the Ju-52 flying through the jagged alps along with the harsh reality of how dangerous they were knowing if ANYTHING went wrong there was literally no where to land the plane safely (sadly this proved true). Watch the scenes for yourself and you will see what I mean.
I love tri-motors; beautiful design. Sadly there is now one less flight worthy Ju-52 left.
Prayers for the families of those who lost their lives.
‘’Broad Sword calling “Danny Boy...’’
Where Eagles Dare fit the bill; it was a great action, adventure story; much of which was filmed on location co-starring Clint Eastwood.
It was quite a change of pace for Burton, but he played the role admirably, and the film was a huge box office hit with audiences.
I always thought that was a Heinkel, but it is a Junkers
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