What happened
On April 12, 2009, at approximately 17:30, a pilot initiated a local sightseeing flight from the Kempten-Durach airfield. During the return portion of the flight, while on final approach to runway 35, the pilot received instructions from air traffic control to delay the approach due to a glider intending to land on the intersecting runway. In response, the pilot initiated a left-hand turn.
During this maneuver, witnesses observed the pilot attempting to restart the engine at a low altitude. Shortly thereafter, the Pipistrel Sinus NW aircraft made contact with high-voltage power lines. The impact caused the aircraft to crash onto a meadow near Sulzberg, where it caught fire and was destroyed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the flight path, noting that the central fuselage and a portion of the left wing were completely consumed by fire. Investigators identified distinct impressions from the high-voltage lines on the outer and mid-sections of the wing, indicating the point of contact. The impact was severe enough to sever the wing.
Physical evidence at the scene showed that the aircraft's propeller remained intact and showed no signs of rotational damage, suggesting the engine may have been in a non-operational state or the impact occurred in a manner that did not damage the propeller blades. The investigation also noted that an emergency rescue device deployed automatically during the post-crash fire.