Three people, including two British nationals, were killed when a Cirrus SR22T light aircraft (registration N44T) crashed in the Swiss Alps near Leukerbad, canton Valais, on Tuesday afternoon.
The single-engine aircraft had departed Lugano, stopped at Sion and was continuing towards Buochs in canton Nidwalden when it struck the northern mountainside in the Fluhalp area shortly after 16:00. The cause remains unknown. Witnesses reported heavy smoke following the impact.
Emergency services reached the site with three helicopters and two rescue specialists but found all three occupants dead. One victim was identified as Owain Davies, managing director of Welsh engineering company Amcanu. His company described the husband, father and grandfather as a determined and caring businessman with a passion for aviation.
The identity of the third victim had not been disclosed. The UK Foreign Office said it was assisting the families of the two British nationals and liaising with Swiss authorities.
The Swiss Safety Investigation Board has opened a technical investigation, while the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and Valais cantonal police are conducting a parallel criminal inquiry.