Three people have died after the plane they were traveling over Switzerland crashed in a wooded area.
Local police confirmed that the small plane crashed at around 10:20am on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in the Ponts-de-Martel region.
The aircraft, registered in Switzerland, took off in the morning from La Chaux-de-Fonds Airport (LSGC) and was on a sightseeing flight.
According to a statement from the Neuchâtel police the pilot and two passengers died on the spot.
The wreckage of the aircraft was located on a particularly steep area, which made rescue operations for the local emergency workers difficult.
Investigators from the Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE), the body for determining the cause of aviation accidents in Switzerland, were on site to gather evidence.
Fedpol federal police investigators were also at the scene to support the investigation work.
“The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for aviation accidents, has been informed and is working in close coordination with the cantonal and federal partner organisations,” Neuchâtel police said.
The duty prosecutor also visited the scene, and an investigation has been opened to try to establish the causes and circumstances of this accident.
Details on the deceased pilot and passengers have not been made public at this stage.