What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a 22-08-2009, at D-EQCO, BE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot setting the engine power to a level that could not sustain the aircraft's altitude, resulting in a forced ditching in the sea.

Diamond DA-40 D Ditching in the North Sea

A single-engine Diamond DA-40 D ditched in the North Sea after the pilot experienced a perceived loss of engine thrust.

What happened

On August 22, 2009, a Diamond DA-40 D, registration D-EQCO, was conducting a private navigation flight over the North Sea. The pilot had modified the original flight plan to divert to Ostend for refueling. During the flight, the pilot reported hearing a "crunching" noise from the engine and perceived that while the engine was rotating normally, the propeller was failing to develop sufficient thrust.

As the aircraft began to lose altitude, the pilot attempted to return to the coastline. After determining that reaching land was not possible, the pilot decided to ditch the aircraft in the sea near the Oostdijk platform. The aircraft struck the water with the rudder first. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft onto the wing and was rescued by a nearby vessel and subsequently a search and rescue helicopter. The aircraft sank to the seabed, where it remained for three weeks before being recovered.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) data to understand the propulsion issues. The engine and gearbox inspections showed no evidence of catastrophic failure, and oil drainage revealed no abnormal conditions. While the pilot reported a loss of thrust, the FADEС data and physical examination of the wreckage did not confirm a propulsion system failure.

Data from the flight recorders indicated that the pilot did not execute the recommended flight manual procedures for propulsion issues, such as switching between the engine control units (ECUs). The investigation also noted that the aircraft had several overdue calendar-based maintenance items, including airworthiness limitation requirements, though these were determined to have no direct impact on the accident.

Findings

The pilot held a valid license and medical certificate.
The aircraft possessed a valid airworthiness certificate.
The engine and propulsion system were functioning during the period leading up to the impact.
The primary cause of the accident was the setting of an engine power level insufficient to maintain altitude, which led to the necessity of the sea landing.