Incident Overview
On May 11, 2008, a single-engine Cessna F 152 manufactured by Reims Aviation was involved in an accident at Aalen-Elchingen airfield (EDPA). The investigation report, issued by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) in November 2008, concluded that the event resulted in no injuries to personnel but caused severe damage to the aircraft. There was no third-party property damage.
Flight Details and Sequence of Events
The pilot, a private license holder with approximately 20 hours of post-training experience, intended to fly from Aalen-Elchingen to Jesenwang with one passenger. At 15:44 local time, the aircraft received clearance for takeoff on runway 09. During the initial roll-out phase, after traveling approximately 250 meters, the aircraft suddenly veered sharply to the left. Witness video footage captured the plane crossing the grass strip adjacent to the runway and rolling toward the airfield buildings without significant loss of speed.
Impact and Aftermath
The aircraft continued its trajectory until it struck an earthen embankment, which it subsequently crossed. It came to a stop near parked glider trailers in the middle of the airfield area, roughly 60 meters north of the asphalt runway. A fire ignited in the engine compartment following the impact with the embankment. Both occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft without sustaining injuries. Firefighters extinguished the engine fire shortly after the incident.
Technical and Environmental Factors
Meteorological conditions at the time were suitable for visual flight rules, with 3/8 cloud cover above 2,000 feet and winds from the east at 10-12 knots. The technical examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical defects or indications of restricted control surfaces. The aircraft had a total operating time of 7,733 hours, and its last annual inspection was completed in March 2008.