What happened
On August 8, 1996, a Dassault Falcon 10 business jet crashed into the western, forested slope of the Scheibenberg near Offenburg, Germany. The flight originated in Munich and was carrying two crew members and two passengers.
Initially, the flight was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). However, during the descent, the crew requested a change to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to facilitate an approach to Offenburg. While descending through the Black Forest toward the Rhine Valley, the aircraft entered low-hanging clouds and fog. The aircraft struck the terrain, disintegrated upon impact, and was subsequently destroyed by a heavy post-crash fire. All four fatalities occurred at the scene. There were no injuries to individuals on the ground, though the crash caused damage to the surrounding forest.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight's progression, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's navigation systems. Investigators reviewed radar data and flight path reconstructions, noting that while previous approaches to Offenburg had followed a standard intercept course, this specific approach deviated significantly southward toward the mountains.
Investigators also analyzed the cockpit's Horizontal Situation Indicators (HSI) and considered whether electronic interference from onboard devices, such as a passenger's notebook, could have affected the autopilot or navigation. While the exact reason for the course deviation could not be determined, the investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in landing configuration and both engines were producing power at the time of impact. The investigation also noted that the required visual meteorological conditions (VMC) for a VFR approach were not present at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The crew was properly licensed, rested, and medically fit for flight.
- The aircraft was airworthy and properly registered.
- The flight was operating in conditions that did not meet the requirements for VFR.
- The aircraft entered low-hanging clouds during the descent while transitioning from IFR to VFR.
- The crew failed to abort the approach despite the deteriorating visibility and the presence of clouds obscuring the terrain.