What happened
On May 2, 2005, at approximately 12:04 PM, a Fläming Air FA 01 SMARAGD ultralight aircraft entered a fatal spin while conducting a training flight near Jänschable, Germany. The aircraft was performing an instructional flight at a low altitude of approximately 100 meters over a surface mine area.
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying straight before it suddenly pitched down and entered a spinning descent, rotating multiple times around its axis. Although a yellow parachute was seen deploying from the aircraft during the descent, the parachute failed to fully deploy, and the aircraft struck the ground at the mine's forefield. The impact resulted in two fatalities for the crew members. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's flight dynamics, the weight and balance configuration, and the integrity of the emergency recovery system. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the manufacturer's type certification process, and the oversight provided by the German Aero Club (DAeC).
Technical analysis revealed that the aircraft's takeoff mass significantly exceeded its maximum allowable limit. Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the integration of the parachute system within the airframe and the accuracy of the weight and balance data provided in the aircraft's documentation. The investigation also reviewed the quality of the initial type testing and the subsequent oversight of individual aircraft inspections.
Findings
Several critical factors contributed to the accident:
- The aircraft was flown at a low altitude and entered a stall/spin condition, which led to the impact.
- The severity of the accident was significantly increased by the failure of the emergency parachute to open properly due to design flaws in how the system was integrated into the airframe.
- The aircraft was operating at a weight well above its maximum allowable takeoff mass.
- There were significant discrepancies in the aircraft's weight records; the recorded empty weight did not match the actual weight of the aircraft.
- The type certification process for the Fläming Air FA 01 SMARAGD was found to be insufficient, particularly regarding longitudinal stability and the testing of the parachute deployment mechanism.
- The aircraft exhibited potentially unstable flight characteristics when the center of gravity was shifted toward the rear, a condition exacerbated by high occupant weight and fuel levels.