What happened
On the day of the accident, a pilot was operating a chartered Piper PA-28-181 on a flight from Donaueschingen-Villingen with three passengers, including intermediate stops at Schwäbisch Hall and Aalen. At approximately 17:56 local time, the pilot notified the tower of his intention to land. After receiving traffic information, the pilot requested to perform a landing practice maneuver.
At 18:01, the aircraft began the maneuver at 4,200 feet over the airfield, approaching runway 36. The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down during the first third of the runway. Following the touchdown, the aircraft drifted to the left. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied full power, which caused the aircraft to lift off with the left wing low. As the aircraft drifted further left, it left the paved surface of the runway.
Upon observing a tractor ahead, the pilot pulled back on the controls to climb. This maneuver caused the aircraft to stall and roll over onto its left wing. The aircraft struck the ground in a high grain field with its left wing, subsequently rotating around its longitudinal and lateral axes until it came to rest in an inverted position. The impact caused the right wing and the right horizontal stabilizer to break away.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft, the site of the accident, and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the accident site was located approximately 750 meters beyond the threshold of runway 36 and about 110 meters left of the centerline.
Physical examination of the Piper PA-28-181 revealed that the right main landing gear, right wing, and right horizontal stabilizer had been torn off. The nose gear was collapsed, and the propeller blades were bent. The investigation found no evidence of technical malfunctions or mechanical failure. The pilot, who held a valid PPL(A) and had approximately 100 total flight hours, was found to have been flying within the limits of his license.
Findings
- The aircraft departed the runway surface during a landing practice maneuver.
- The pilot applied full power while the aircraft was drifting left, leading to a wing-low takeoff.
- The pilot's attempt to climb to avoid a tractor caused the aircraft to stall and roll over.
- All four occupants sustained minor injuries but were able to exit the wreckage independently.