What happened
On August 14, 2008, a pilot was performing practice circuits at the Seligenstadt airfield to maintain proficiency. At approximately 17:45 local time, the B&F Technik FK12 Comet was observed to stall while the pilot was initiating the final approach to runway 35. The aircraft rolled toward the left wing and struck a field located approximately 1,200 meters south of the airfield. The impact caused the destruction of the aircraft's fuselage up to the rear seat and significant damage to both sets of wings. The pilot sustained serious injuries in the crash.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits. The aircraft had undergone its annual inspection in May 2008, with 15 flight hours completed since that check. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of technical failure; all control surfaces, connections, and bearings were intact, and fuel was present in the carburetor chambers. The aircraft's emergency recovery system had not been deployed during the event.
Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, with visibility exceeding 10 kilometers, a 4/8 cloud cover at approximately 4,000 meters, and a light wind from 330 degrees at 5 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a wing drop to the left during the transition to the final approach.
- There were no mechanical or technical defects found in the aircraft's systems or structure.
- The pilot was experienced, with approximately 1,171 total flight hours, including 49 hours on this specific model.