What happened
On September 8, 1999, a Socata TB 10 Tobago departed from the Neuhausen/Brandenburg airfield for a private flight to Kamenz. Shortly after takeoff from runway 27, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 40 meters. While executing a shallow left turn north of the airfield, the aircraft entered an accelerated stall. The aircraft banked sharply to the right and struck the ground with the right wing first, subsequently catching fire and being destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental conditions. While the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and no mechanical defects were found to be causative, the investigation focused on the pilot's performance and physiological state. Witnesses observed the engine running unevenly and noted the aircraft flying at a very high angle of attack.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's licenses. Although the pilot had extensive experience in military helicopters, his experience in fixed-wing aircraft was limited, with only approximately 31 hours of total fixed-wing time and only 6 hours in the Socata TB 10 Tobago within the previous 90 days. Furthermore, the pilot's specific flight rating extensions were pending renewal at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain the minimum required airspeed following a loss of engine power.
- The pilot did not reduce the angle of attack to increase airspeed to recover from the power loss.
- The pilot elected to continue the flight rather than utilizing available emergency landing options on the adjacent grass runways.
- Alcohol impairment was identified, with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.6 and 0.9 ‰, which likely contributed to poor decision-making.
- The exact cause of the engine power loss could not be determined, though it may have been due to a technical malfunction or pilot error, such as incorrect carburetor heat or mixture settings.