He subsequently found the finance to buy a seat with Scuderia Finotto driving their Brabham at his home Grand Prix in 1974, and although he failed to qualify, this led to a contract with Surtees for the last two races of the season.

But running near the back in the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, Koinigg's car suffered a suspension failure at turn 7, pitching it head-on into the Armco barrier.

However, as with a number of other circuits at that time, the Armco was insecurely installed and the bottom portion of it buckled as the vehicle struck it.

The car passed underneath the top portion, which remained intact, decapitating Koinigg and killing him instantly.

Koinigg's accident was reminiscent of the death of Formula One driver François Cevert on the other side of the circuit in turns 2-4 the previous year.