What happened
On November 26, 2006, a two-seat Glasair SHA amateur-built aircraft departed Zell am See, Austria, at approximately 15:35 for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight toward Donauwörth. The pilot and one passenger were on board the aircraft, which operated under an American registration.
After roughly 33 minutes of flight time, the pilot contacted Augsburg Air Traffic Control to inquire about local weather conditions. The pilot expressed an intention to proceed to Nördlingen if the weather permitted. However, two minutes later, the pilot decided to divert to Augsburg due to a perceived significant deterioration in weather conditions. At 16:11, the pilot informed the controller of the diversion and set the transponder to code 4401.
While descending from 3,600 ft, the aircraft began flying south. Approximately 90 seconds later, the controller queried the southward heading, which the pilot confirmed, stating an intention to fly south of the control zone to approach the airfield. At approximately 16:14, the aircraft struck trees in a forest approximately 15 km southeast of the Augsburg airfield. The impact was high-speed and at a shallow angle, causing the aircraft to strike a 60 cm thick tree trunk. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft, the death of the pilot, and serious injuries to the passenger, who was ejected from the wreckage.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined radar data from DFS, which allowed for the reconstruction of the flight path. Meteorological analysis, including satellite imagery and witness accounts, revealed that dense ground fog was rising in the area at the time of the accident, with visibilities dropping below 100 meters.
Technical examination of the Glasair SHA revealed no mechanical defects. Fuel residue was found at the crash site, and no components were found to have detached from the aircraft prior to the collision with the trees.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with trees during an approach in deteriorating weather.
- Significant ground fog was present at the accident site, with visibility estimated at less than 100 meters.
- The aircraft struck the forest at high speed and a shallow angle.