RotorWay EXEC 162F crash near Herisau, Switzerland

A privately owned RotorWay Exec 162F kit helicopter (HB-YKJ) crashed in a meadow between Herisau and Hundwil in Appenzell Ausserrhoden during an autorotation at approximately 14:00 UTC. The 59-year-old male pilot was killed and a 56-year-old female passenger was seriously injured. Both were extracted from the wreckage by an eyewitness before the helicopter caught fire and was destroyed. The helicopter had departed from Uerenbohl near Sulgen in Thurgau and was flying toward the Alpstein when the crash occurred.