Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Close Call in the Alps: Plane Nearly Hits Skiers at Mezzalama Trophy
A Swiss pilot attempted a daring maneuver by landing a small plane on the expansive plateau of Monte Rosa in the Italian Alps. However, during the takeoff phase, the aircraft came alarmingly close to colliding with a group of skiers participating in the Mezzalama Trophy, one of Europe’s prominent ski mountaineering races.
The incident occurred below Colle Sesia while the plane, identified as a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, made a brief landing before gathering speed to ascend again. As the aircraft surged forward, it narrowly avoided intersecting paths with a line of skiers heading towards Campana Marguerita, the highest refuge in the Alps. This close encounter unfolded just before noon on Saturday, coinciding with over 1,000 skiers competing in the Mezzalama.
Luca Calzone, a skier who witnessed the event, recorded video footage that quickly gained traction on social media. He expressed concern, stating, “I hope the Swiss authorities will intervene. This could have resulted in a horrible tragedy.” The pilot’s actions raised alarm due to the potential consequences of such reckless behavior.
An Emerging Concern?
Details about the pilot remain scarce, but this incident heightens awareness of a troubling trend involving unauthorized landings by private aircraft in mountainous regions. In a similar recurrence in 2019, two Swiss nationals landed a small plane less than 400 meters from Mont Blanc’s summit, subsequently attempting to reach the peak while being pursued by law enforcement. Despite widespread condemnation, this incident highlighted significant gaps in European aviation regulations, as it appeared the pilots had not breached any specific laws. They ultimately faced a fine of only €38 ($40), a sum viewed by many as insufficient to deter such risky actions.
Recently, a separate accident occurred involving another small aircraft that crashed on the Glacier du Géant within the Mont Blanc range. Skiers, traversing the renowned Vallée Blanche, witnessed the event. Fortunately, the two pilots survived, and an investigation into the crash’s circumstances is ongoing.
As these incidents accumulate, the discussion around safety and regulations in high-altitude aviation becomes increasingly urgent, prompting calls for stricter oversight to prevent potentially catastrophic events in the future.
Source
explorersweb.com