What happened
On July 2, 2008, a Scheibe SF 25 C motor glider departed from the Juist airfield for a training flight, specifically a "pinch-hitter" course, carrying two occupants. After approximately six minutes of flight, the aircraft returned to the airfield for an approach to runway 08. During the final approach, the pilot initiated a sideslip maneuver and extended the air brakes.
According to the pilot, the air brakes could not be retracted following the completion of the sideslip. This mechanical complication caused the aircraft to undershoot the intended landing point. The motor glider touched down on uneven terrain approximately 100 meters before the start of the runway. Upon impact, the main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide approximately 34 meters before coming to a halt. Both occupants sustained two minor injuries and were able to exit the heavily damaged aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's condition and the sequence of the landing maneuver. The investigation examined the air brakes, the landing gear, and the propeller. The aircraft, which was operated by a club, had a total time in service of 1,323 hours and had undergone its last annual inspection in November 2007. The investigation found no evidence of any other technical malfunctions prior to the landing incident.