Helvetica Team - 28 Mar 2025
Air Traffic Controller Confirmed Guilty by Military Appeal Court
Fribourg, 28.03.2025
HelvetiCA, Swiss Controllers Association, is disappointed of the result in the Susten court case
After a long period of uncertainty, we have now received a judicial decision in the second instance of the Susten court case. It deals with a tragic accident that occurred in 2016, in which a F/A-18 of the Swiss Air Force collided with a mountain in the Susten region of the Bernese Alps.
Regrettably, our ATCO colleague has been confirmed guilty on involuntary manslaughter. He was fined conditionally to 60 daily rates, with a probation period of two years. Concurrently the pilot of the leading aircraft was acquitted.
While we must acknowledge the court’s ruling, we continue to stand firmly by our colleague during this difficult time and offer him our full support. At present, it remains unclear whether any of the parties involved will choose to appeal the verdict.
As an association, we will now undertake a thorough analysis of the judgment in close coordination with Skyguide to assess its implications for our community. We will continue to coordinate closely with our colleague and his team to ascertain that we continue in an aligned direction.
Contact Information
Patrick Kattrup
+41 79 619 08 58
communication@helvetica.aero
28-03-2025 Medienmitteilung Susten - HelvetiCA