The wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1968 has been found on the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland by a mountain guide. The parts of the ill-fated plane were discovered in the southwestern Wallis canton, near the Jungfrau and Monch mountain peaks.
About the plane crash
“Investigations have determined that the parts were from the wreckage of a Piper Cherokee, registration HB-OYL, which crashed at this location on June 30, 1968. Recovery work will be undertaken as soon as possible,” said the police. Notably, the plane crashed in the area on June 30, 1968.
The crash led to the death of a teacher, a chief medical officer, and his son, who were in the place when it crashed. The plane reportedly crashed 500 meters south of the Jungfraujoch between the two peaks. After the crash, the bodies of the victims were recovered. However, the wreckage from the place was not found at that time.
The mountain guide discovered it during an expedition in the area
The Swiss Security Investigation Service (SESE) was informed of the discovery by the Swiss Air Force. This is because aviation accidents fall under federal jurisdiction. Thus, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office has also been informed about the plane wreckage.
Reportedly, the pieces of the crashed plane were found as the glacier melted in summer due to climate change. The debris from the aircraft was released from the ice. The police stated, “due to the melting of the glaciers, particularly in summer, it is possible that other pieces of the wreckage will be released from the ice. If found, the authorities warn that these items should not be handled in order to avoid any risk of injury. They should be geolocated and reported to the police immediately.”
