Windshield failure leads to fatal crash of Cessna 152 in Germany

Casualties unknown • Großzerlang/nahe Reinsberg, DE

A private flight ended in tragedy when a Cessna 152 struck trees in a forest near Großzerlang, killing both occupants following the sudden failure of the aircraft's windshield.

What happened

On December 2, 1998, a Cessna 152 was conducting a private round-trip flight from Finow to Flensburg and back. During the return leg, the aircraft's flight path became erratic north of Krakower See, deviating significantly from its intended course. By 16:08, the aircraft was observed circling near Blankenförde.

At 16:37, the pilot contacted Finow via radio with a distressed message, stating that the windshield had shattered, the cockpit was fogging up, and all instruments, including the GPS, were obscured. The pilot reported that they could no longer see anything and were unsure of their position. Shortly after a final, unanswered radio attempt, the aircraft collided with trees in a forested area near Großzerlang. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The BFU examined the wreckage, including fragments of the aircraft's windshield. Laboratory analysis of the Plexiglas (PMMA) pieces revealed that the thicker fragments, likely from the windshield, exhibited significantly lower viscosity than the thinner side or rear window fragments. Microscopic examination showed macro- and micro-cracks in the windshield frame area that existed prior to the accident.

Investigators also analyzed a spray cleaner concentrate used by the operator to clean the windows. The study found that this cleaner acted as a stress-cracking agent. Additionally, the investigation noted that the windshield thickness was inconsistent with manufacturer specifications. Meteorological data confirmed that the flight occurred in deteriorating conditions, with low visibility (2–4 km) and low cloud ceilings (as low as 400 ft AGL) during the onset of darkness.

Findings

  • The pilot continued the flight into increasing darkness despite encountering very low visibility and low cloud ceilings.
  • The pilot had very limited experience in night VFR operations.
  • The sudden failure of the windshield was a significant contributing factor.
  • The use of a specific spray cleaner concentrate likely promoted stress-cracking in the windshield.
  • Pre-existing cracks were visible in the windshield frame, which could have been detected through a visual inspection.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot continuing a VFR flight into deteriorating weather conditions and increasing darkness with very limited night flying experience, compounded by the sudden structural failure of the aircraft's windshield.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-02 Cessna Aircraft Company accident near Großzerlang/nahe Reinsberg, DE?

A private flight ended in tragedy when a Cessna 152 struck trees in a forest near Großzerlang, killing both occupants following the sudden failure of the aircraft's windshield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-02 involved a Cessna Aircraft Company, at Großzerlang/nahe Reinsberg, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot continuing a VFR flight into deteriorating weather conditions and increasing darkness with very limited night flying experience, compounded by the sudden structural failure of the aircraft's windshield.

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