What happened
On July 16, 2008, at 18:24 local time, an ultralight aircraft departed from runway 21 at the Rendsburg-Schachtholm airfield. The aircraft, a Comco Ikarus C 42, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 meters, the aircraft experienced a leftward yaw and began turning toward an adjacent forest. The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state and struck trees in the nearby woods.
During the descent, the pilot activated the onboard emergency rescue system; however, the parachute failed to deploy. The impact caused the aircraft to come to rest on its back among the trees. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries, though both were able to exit the wreckage on their own. The aircraft was destroyed, and damage to ground property was reported.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the wreckage and the surrounding environment. Investigators found evidence of contact with trees approximately 12 meters high, including one tree that had been snapped at a height of about 7 meters. The wreckage of the Comco Ikarus C 42 showed significant damage, with both wings torn off and the nose gear and left main landing gear detached. The engine and cockpit areas were heavily deformed. At the time of the accident, meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK (clear skies) with a wind from 270° at 14–16 knots.