What happened
On May 5, 2001, a Piper PA-42-1000 Cheyenne departed from Nuremberg Airport at approximately 16:28 local time, bound for Zurich. The pilot, who had previously flown from Berlin-Tempel and had been on the ground for several hours, departed from runway 10. Witnesses observed the initial climb following takeoff as being very steep. After passing 2,000 ft, the pilot contacted the departure frequency and was cleared to climb to flight level 130, after complying with a request to activate the transponder.
Radar data later revealed an unusual flight profile. While the aircraft maintained its course with minimal deviation due to light northern winds, it failed to maintain its climb at flight level 45. Instead, the aircraft entered a steep bank. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft emerge from the cloud base in level flight at high speed, perform a turning maneuver, and then disappear back into the clouds in a steep climb. Radar tracking showed the aircraft briefly reached flight level 47 before entering a near-vertical descent. The aircraft subsequently struck a forested area near the A3 autobahn at an estimated speed of 280 kt. The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused damage to the surrounding forest.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the wreckage and radar tracks to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure at the crash site or during the subsequent detailed examination of the wreckage in a hangar. Both engines were found to have been operating at power. The landing gear and flaps were in the retracted position at the time of impact. Due to the extreme destruction of the airframe, the autopsy of the pilot could not provide definitive information regarding any acute medical conditions or the pilot's physical capacity to control the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft was traveling at a very high speed upon impact.
- No specific cause of the accident could be determined from the available evidence.