What happened
On July 28, 1999, at 14:35 local time, a Pilatus P-3 departed from runway 05 of the Schwenningen airfield for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight toward Günz．burg-Donauried. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted the airfield frequency to report unspecified difficulties, requested a descent, and asked for a QDM (magnetic heading). Witnesses observed the aircraft flying toward Rottweil, following the local railway line, and later observed it flying in the opposite direction.
At approximately 14:39, the aircraft crashed into a meadow near a railway embankment approximately 7 km from Schwenningen, in the vicinity of Deißlingen. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot, who was the sole occupant.
The investigation
The BFU investigation, conducted in cooperation with the public prosecutor's office, examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's medical history, and the flight circumstances. The engine, including the Lycoming GO-435-C2A2 and the propeller, was inspected and no defects were found. Fuel samples were also tested for water contamination, with no issues identified. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that a recent inspection in June 1999 had addressed previously identified deficiencies.
Regarding the pilot, investigators found that while he held a valid private pilot license, he had very limited experience on this specific type, with only 3 hours and 3 takeoffs/landings recorded in the aircraft logbook. An autopsy revealed that the pilot had suffered a myocardial infarction in 1997. While evidence of a fresh, immediate heart attack at the time of the crash could not be definitively proven, the presence of fresh hemorrhaging suggested the possibility of a recent cardiac event.
Findings
- The investigation found no evidence of technical failure or engine malfunction.
- The pilot's medical history indicated a previous heart attack, and although he had not undergone the required medical re-evaluation to regain flight medical certification, a sudden loss of consciousness due to a medical event could not be ruled out.
- The pilot possessed limited flight experience on the Pilatus P-3.