Engine failure during missed approach leads to fatal crash in Mannheim

Casualties unknown • Mannheim City, DE

A single-engine Beechcraft F35 crashed into an allotment garden area after an engine failure during a go-around at Mannheim City airport, resulting in the pilot's death.

What happened

On February 21, 2002, a Swiss-registered Beechcraft BE F35 departed Egelsbach for a flight to Grenchen, Switzerland. During the flight, the pilot decided to abort the mission due to deteriorating visibility and initially intended to return to Egelsbach. However, the pilot subsequently diverted to Mannheim City airport.

At approximately 14:31, the pilot received landing clearance for runway 27. While flying at an altitude of approximately 3 meters, the pilot initiated a missed approach. During the transition into the crosswind climb, the engine failed. The aircraft entered an accelerated stall and pitched forward, impacting a garden allotment area vertically. Although the pilot broadcast three "Mayday" calls and survived the initial impact, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical state of the engine. Investigators found that the aircraft's fuel tank selector was set to the auxiliary tanks. According to the manufacturer's manual, these tanks are intended for use during cruise flight only. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight logs, noting that while the pilot held a valid private pilot license, he had very limited experience on the Beechcraft BE F35, with only 4 hours and 10 minutes of flight time on this specific model. Furthermore, the pilot had not received a formal transition training or check-out on this aircraft type.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect fuel tank selection, which led to an interruption of fuel flow and subsequent engine failure.
  • The pilot's lack of experience on the Beechcraft BE F35 and the decision to perform a missed approach in a 10-knot crosswind contributed to the loss of control.
  • The aircraft entered an unrecoverable state due to the high angle of attack during the climb following the engine failure.
  • The pilot was not wearing his seatbelts, which may have decreased his chances of survival.
  • There were no mechanical defects found in the aircraft or the engine.

Probable cause

The engine failed because the pilot had selected the auxiliary fuel tanks for landing, which interrupted the fuel supply. This failure occurred during a missed approach, leading to an aerodynamic stall that the pilot could not recover from.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-02-21 Beech Aircraft Corporation/BE F35 accident near Mannheim City, DE?

A single-engine Beechcraft F35 crashed into an allotment garden area after an engine failure during a go-around at Mannheim City airport, resulting in the pilot's death.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-02-21 involved a Beech Aircraft Corporation/BE F35, at Mannheim City, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed because the pilot had selected the auxiliary fuel tanks for landing, which interrupted the fuel supply. This failure occurred during a missed approach, leading to an aerodynamic stall that the pilot could not recover from.

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