What happened
On October 20, 2002, a Pitts S-2B biplane departed from Schwäbisch Hall-Weckrieden for a private flight with one passenger. The aircraft flew westward toward the Waldenburg Mountains. Witnesses observed the aircraft performing unusual, aerobatic-like maneuvers, including rolls and loops, at an altitude of approximately 200 meters. These maneuvers eventually transitioned into a spiral dive or spin from which the aircraft could not recover. At approximately 15:03 local time, the aircraft struck the southeastern slope of the Eichelberg at a descent angle of roughly 50 degrees. The impact resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. The investigation found that the aircraft's takeoff weight exceeded the maximum allowable limits for both normal and aerobatic operations. Furthermore, the center of gravity was significantly behind the permitted aft limit. While the pilot had some experience in the Pitts S-2B and had previously undergone training in the United States, he had not yet begun formal aerobatic training in Germany. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's control systems, finding that the control linkages were broken due to the forces of the impact rather than pre-existing fatigue. The engine and propeller were found to be functional at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was operated outside of its approved weight and center of gravity envelope, with the center of gravity being significantly too far aft.
- The pilot performed dynamic maneuvers over rising terrain at an altitude that provided insufficient margin for recovery following a potential stall or upset.
- The aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent following these maneuvers, which could not be arrested due to the low altitude.
- The aircraft's takeoff weight exceeded the maximum authorized weight by approximately 3% to 8%, depending on the specific weight calculation used.