What happened
On January 19, 2009, a Piper PA-42-720 departed Frankfurt/Main Airport for Reichelsheim. The pilot had previously inspected the destination runway at Reichelsheim, which had been unusable due to ice, and had been transported to Frankfurt by vehicle.
After receiving clearance for a special VFR flight, the aircraft took off from runway 25L. Shortly after departure, the aircraft began a right turn toward the November waypoint. During the maneuver, the aircraft briefly climbed to 1,80 and then descended to 1,400 ft MSL. While the pilot was still executing the turn, air traffic control notified the pilot that the waypoint was eight nautical miles to the east of the aircraft's current position. The pilot acknowledged the instruction and continued the turn, eventually stabilizing on a heading of approximately 025 degrees.
At 12:40:37 UTC, radar tracking lost the aircraft near Kronberg/Taunus. The Piper PA-42-720 collided with the rising terrain of the Taunus mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,460 ft MSL. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined radar data, radio communications, and meteorological reports. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight path and altitude relative to the terrain. Meteorological data from the German Weather Service (DWD) was reviewed to determine the visibility and cloud conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation also included an examination of the wreckage, which showed a debris field extending 220 meters, and a forensic autopsy of the pilot, which found no evidence of medical impairment or intoxication.