What happened
On March 19, 2007, a Beechcraft BE24R departed Rendsburg-Schachtholm airfield under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The pilot had previously moved other aircraft out of a hangar but failed to return them or secure the hangar doors before taxiing to the holding point for Runway 03. After a brief engine warm-up, the aircraft took off with a tailwind at 10:48 local time.
The pilot did not establish radio contact with the airfield controller, and attempts to reach the aircraft via the airfield frequency were unsuccessful. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a layer of cloud cover at approximately 1,000 feet. The airfield controller noted the sound of high engine power and observed the aircraft flying on a reverse course. Moments later, the Beechcraft BE24R emerged from the clouds at a steep 60-degree descent angle, maintaining high engine power, and impacted the grass adjacent to Runway 03.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the flight path, the condition of the aircraft, and the circumstances surrounding the departure. Due to the extreme destruction of the airframe, a detailed examination of the flight controls and instruments was not possible. The aircraft was found to have been shattered into numerous small fragments, with debris scattered over a 120-meter radius. The impact created a crater approximately one meter deep, and the engine and tail section were identified as the largest wreckage components.
Investigators examined the cockpit and found that the radio was tuned to the airfield frequency, but the power switch was in the OFF position. Notably, all seatbelts in the aircraft were found unfastened and intact. While the investigation was conducted to prevent future accidents, prosecutorial inquiries indicated evidence suggesting the event was a suicide.
Findings
- The aircraft impacted the ground with high energy at a steep pitch angle.
- The pilot was not wearing a seatbelt, which resulted in being ejected from the wreckage upon impact.
- The single occupant sustained fatal injuries.
- The aircraft was operating under VFR in conditions with an overcast ceiling at 1,000 feet.