Full Breakdown
Welsh Business Leader Killed in Swiss Alpine Plane Crash
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Crash
A single-engine Cirrus SR22T struck the north slope of a mountain near the resort of Leukerbad in the Valais canton of Switzerland shortly after 4 pm local time. Emergency crews arrived with three helicopters and confirmed that all three occupants died. The victims included Owain Davies, 55, managing director of the Burry Port engineering firm Amcanu, and two of his close friends. Swiss authorities have identified two of the dead as British nationals; the remaining victims have not yet been named. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) has opened a formal investigation, and prosecutors and Valais police are conducting a parallel criminal inquiry, as is standard after a fatal air accident in Switzerland.
Background on Owain Davies and Amcanu
Amcanu was founded in 1975 by Spencer Davies OBE in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire. Owain Davies assumed leadership in 2000 and redirected the company from general fabrication to a specialist in steel enclosures for industrial pumps, generators and battery-storage systems, all manufactured at the Burry Port plant. Outside of business, Davies served nearly 25 years as a lifeboat helmsman in Burry Port, was a trustee of the Wales Air Ambulance charity from 2017, and was an experienced pilot who occasionally flew his own helicopter.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Cirrus SR22T, single-engine, light-aircraft.
- Flight itinerary: Departed Lugano, stopped at Sion, then proceeded toward Buochs before the crash.
- Casualties: Three fatalities; two identified as British nationals (Owain Davies and another Briton). The identities of the remaining two victims are still pending.
Official Statements & Responses
- Amcanu released a statement describing Davies as a husband, son, father of two, grandfather of two, and “a mentor, leader and friend,” emphasizing his commitment to Welsh manufacturing, community charities and apprenticeships. The company also reassured customers that existing orders and commitments remain secure and that strategic plans agreed with Davies will continue.
- Swiss authorities (STSB, Valais police and the Office of the Attorney General) have launched both safety and criminal investigations to determine the cause of the accident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our family has suffered an unimaginable loss, and we are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support already being shown to us.” — Amcanu
- “He didn’t make a great show of it. In fact, many people who knew him professionally may never have known how important aviation was to him,” — Amcanu
- “We are providing support to the families of two British nationals who died in Switzerland and are in contact with the local authorities. Our thoughts remain with the families during this difficult time.” — Foreign Office spokesperson
- “He was devoted to his wife Michelle, immensely proud of his children Aron and Ffion, and adored being a grandfather to Oakley and Albie.” — The company
Impact on Community and Business
Davies was widely recognised in Burry Port for supporting local schools, sporting organisations, community groups and charities.
What’s Next
The STSB’s safety investigation and the Swiss criminal probe will continue to examine flight data, weather conditions and possible mechanical issues. The UK Foreign Office will maintain liaison with Swiss officials and continue to offer assistance to the bereaved families.
