What happened
On June 7, 2019, a Diamond DA40 D, registration OY-RBG, was performing a private instrument flight rules (IFR) approach to runway 29 at Bornholm/Rønne (EKRN). The flight originated from Roskilde (EKRK). While the initial weather forecasts were favorable, unexpected fog had moved into the area, resulting in visibility and ceiling levels that were at the minimum required to maintain visual contact with the runway environment at the decision altitude.
During the final stages of the ILS approach, the pilot noticed an increase in airspeed and responded by reducing engine power. During this period, the aircraft's flight parameters, including altitude, speed, and heading, began to fluctuate. The pilot failed to realize that the aircraft had drifted below the prescribed glidepath and decision altitude. The aircraft eventually struck trees in a nearby forest in a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) manner. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries, though they were able to evacuate the wreckage following the impact.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the aircraft was in a valid technical state and that the weight and balance were within limits. Investigators analyzed flight data which showed that the aircraft was no longer stably established on the ILS approach during the final stages.
Key elements of the investigation included the pilot's recent training and experience with the Garmin G1000 avionics suite and the use of the autopilot. The investigation also reviewed the discrepancy between the forecasted weather and the actual conditions present at the time of the approach.