What happened
On November 29, 1998, a Piper PA 34-220T was performing an instrument approach to runway 10 at Nuremberg Airport. The flight had originated from Berlin-Tempelhof under IFR conditions. While executing the ILS approach, the aircraft entered an excessive pitch attitude at approximately 150 ft AGL, causing it to pitch forward and descend sharply. The aircraft struck the ground nearly vertically approximately 300 m before the runway threshold, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot. The impact also caused ground damage, destroying an approach lighting unit.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's records, and environmental conditions. The pilot was an experienced flyer with approximately 1,253 total hours, including 1,174 hours on the Piper PA 34 type. Radar data showed the aircraft was on the glidepath at 900 ft AGL at a speed of approximately 100 kt shortly before the radar track ended. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft pitching longitudinally several times before the final steep descent, noting that the aircraft's speed and altitude were inconsistent with typical approaches.
Investigators found no mechanical defects in the aircraft or its de-icing systems. However, during the on-site examination, traces of rough ice were found on the inflatable rubber boots of the tailplane leading edges. Testing of the de-icing components, including vacuum pumps, in Braunschweig revealed no malfunctions.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in moderate to heavy icing conditions, with temperatures between -3°C and -9°C within the cloud layer.
- Witnesses observed longitudinal pitch changes immediately preceding the impact.
- The pilot failed to activate the de-icing system or activated it too late, leading to an aerodynamic stall of the tailplane.