History of the Flight
On 14 April 2013, at approximately 14:55 UTC, a Piper PA28-161 Cadet registered LX-AIF collided with tree tops during final approach to runway 26 at Noertrange aerodrome (ELNT). The aircraft was on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Luxembourg Airport (ELLX) to Noertrange, with one pilot and two passengers on board.
The flight departed ELLX at 14:37 after being cleared for takeoff from runway 24. The pilot climbed to about 2500 feet above mean sea level and proceeded directly to Noertrange. Prior to landing, the pilot announced intentions on the Noertrange Info frequency. The aircraft disappeared from Luxembourg Tower radar a few miles east of Noertrange at 14:52. Approximately three minutes later, the aircraft struck tree tops located about 120 meters before the threshold of runway 26. Upon impact, the pilot immediately increased engine power and successfully landed the aircraft on the grass runway without further incident. While vacating the runway, the pilot noticed damage to both wings and reported the occurrence to the aviation club.
In a post-accident interview, the pilot stated that strong turbulence on final approach caused the aircraft to lose altitude, leading to the collision.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a 1989 Piper PA28-161 Cadet, serial number 28-41173, equipped with one Lycoming O-320-D3G engine and a Sensenich 74DM6-0-60 propeller. Its maximum allowable take-off weight was 1055 kg. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness issued on 12 October 2005, with an Airworthiness Review Certificate expiring on 10 December 2013. The last maintenance inspection (I50) was performed on 19 March 2013.
The pilot, aged 20, held a Private Pilot License (PPL) issued on 26 February 2012, with a total flight experience of 105 hours and 20 minutes, including 56 hours as pilot-in-command and 43 hours and 57 minutes on the PA28 type. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot had performed ten landings at Noertrange: five dual (one in a PA28, four in a Cessna 182) and five as pilot-in-command (three in a PA28, two in a Cessna 182).
Damage Assessment
The outboard leading edge sections of both wings were substantially damaged upon impact with the tree tops. The right-hand aileron also sustained damage. No other damage to the aircraft or to property was reported.
Meteorological Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The weather report available to the pilot indicated suitable conditions for VFR flight. At takeoff from Luxembourg, the wind was from 170° at 6 knots. The pilot reported experiencing strong turbulence during the final approach.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft collided with tree tops approximately 120 meters before the runway 26 threshold. The pilot and both passengers were uninjured. The aircraft was not equipped with flight data or cockpit voice recorders, nor were they required. No fire occurred. The pilot's medical certificate was valid. The investigation did not assign a probable cause but documented the pilot's account of strong turbulence.