What happened
On January 18, 2011, a Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V departed Lübeck-Blankensee (EDHL) for a VFR night flight to Ballenstedt (EDCB) carrying two passengers. The aircraft entered the traffic pattern for runway 27 at approximately 16:49 local time. While the initial approach appeared normal according to the air traffic controller, the aircraft was observed flying lower than usual during the subsequent maneuvers.
During the base leg, while flying a heading of 180 degrees with a bank angle of approximately 3 degrees, the aircraft struck a field. The impact caused the aircraft to decelerate and skid 96 meters, resulting in heavy damage to the airframe. One passenger sustained serious injuries during the accident.
The investigation
The BFU investigation established that the pilot had completed landing preparations by the time the aircraft turned onto the base leg. The pilot reported that the aircraft made contact with the ground shortly before the turn to final approach. While visibility to the airfield was clear, the pilot underestimated the aircraft's altitude.
Investigators found that the altimeter indicated 800 feet, but the aircraft was actually at field elevation (approximately 500 feet). This discrepancy was caused by an incorrect QNH (altimeter) setting. At the time of the accident, the altimeter was set to 1027 hPa, whereas the pressure at a nearby station was 1022 hPa.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident included 8/8 cloud coverage at 3,000 feet, though meteorological analysis suggested that rain may have reduced visibility to between 3 and 5 km and lowered the cloud base to between 400 and 800 feet AGL.
Findings
- The pilot's incorrect QNH setting led to a significant error in altitude perception, causing the aircraft to be much lower than indicated.
- The aircraft was flying at field elevation while the pilot believed it was at 800 feet.
- The aircraft struck the ground during the base leg of the approach.