What happened
On January 14, 2004, a Yak 52 departed from Koblenz-Winningen airport for a local sightseeing flight. After approximately one hour of flight, the aircraft failed to respond to radio contact from the airfield, prompting a search and rescue mission. Following an extensive search involving police, SAR teams, and private volunteers, the wreckage was discovered on January 21, 2004, in a forested area near Stephanshausen, approximately 7 km northeast of Rüdesheim.
The aircraft struck the heavily wooded, mountainous terrain at a 20-degree nose-down attitude with high energy, creating a 65-meter path through the trees. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft performing several aerobatic maneuvers prior to the accident.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the flight path. Radar reconstruction and witness statements confirmed that the crew had been performing aerobatic maneuvers. Technical examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and the transponder was found in the off position, which had hindered the initial search.
Investigators examined the rear fuselage and discovered a 25 mm metal sphere, identified as a retaining knob from the rear canopy. Forensic analysis of the elevator control linkage, the fuselage opening, and the knob itself showed clear evidence of physical contact and paint transfer. This confirmed that the knob had moved into a position where it interfered with the elevator control mechanism.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a foreign object in the fuselage that significantly restricted the movement of the elevator control segment.
- The loose metal knob, which had detached from the canopy, became lodged in the rear fuselage, causing severe impairment of the elevator's controllability.
- The crew was unable to maintain level flight or avoid obstacles under these degraded control conditions.
- The pilot was performing aerobatic maneuvers without the required aerobatic authorization.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft with an expired Lithuanian recognition certificate, which had lapsed in October 2003.