Robinson R44 Raven II crash near Spitzalpelifirn glacier, near Linthal, Glarus, Switzerland

The helicopter was on high altitude landing practice on the Spitzalpelifirn glacier, in the area of the Clariden-Hüfifirn mountain landing site in Glarus Süd, when it struck the ground at about 09:30. The 54 year old pilot, the only person aboard, was injured, treated at the scene and flown to hospital by Rega. The police release states that he was injured but does not grade the injury, so none is recorded here. The helicopter was severely damaged and the wreck was recovered the same day by a local operator. The cause has not been established. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board has opened a preliminary investigation, and the Office of the Attorney General is leading a criminal investigation carried out by the Glarus cantonal police. The aircraft is owned by Heli Sitterdorf AG and was being operated by Heli Academy. Coordinates are approximate to Linthal.