What happened
On a flight traveling from Bremen to Frankfurt-Egels and Egelsbach, a Beechcraft King Air (F90) was conducting a descent toward runway 27. While under the supervision of Langen Radar, the flight transitioned from IFR to VFR flight rules after reporting visual meteorological conditions. During this descent, a passenger in the right-hand seat was managing radio communications.
As the aircraft approached the airfield, it was communicating with Egelsbach Info. The controller provided course corrections and noted the aircraft's position relative to the approach centerline. Radar data showed the aircraft's altitude decreasing from 1,500 feet to approximately 800 feet as it neared the aerodrome. At 16:16:18, the radar indicated the aircraft was at an altitude of 700 feet, after which the signal was lost.
The aircraft subsequently struck trees in a wooded area, which reached elevations of approximately 700 feet AMSL, and the wreckage caught fire. There were 3 fatalities on board, consisting of the pilot and two passengers. Emergency responders arrived at the scene at approximately 16:38 to find the burning wreckage.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a High Performance Aircraft Approach (HPA-approach) as specified in the AIP.
- The aircraft's descent continued into terrain and obstacles as the altitude dropped below the height of the surrounding trees.