What happened
On January 10, 2013, a Robinson R44 Astro helicopter departed Augsburg airport following the completion of annual maintenance. The pilot intended to fly the aircraft to a private landing site in Langenbrettach/Langenbeutingen. During the flight, the pilot altered the planned route, flying via Nördlingen and following the B25 highway. GPS data indicates the aircraft maintained a low altitude, frequently staying below 200 ft AGL, while traveling at an average speed of approximately 100 kt.
While following the A6 motorway near the Schwäbisch Hall junction, the helicopter collided with a 24-meter-high overhead power line. Witnesses observed the aircraft spinning and trailing sparks immediately after the impact. The helicopter then struck the motorway, where debris from the aircraft also hit a traveling truck and a passenger car. The aircraft caught fire upon impact and was destroyed. The pilot sustained fatal injuries due to the collision and subsequent fire.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path using GPS data and analyzed the wreckage at the scene. The investigation established that the aircraft's tail boom and rotor blades bore impact marks from the power lines. While the aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, the onboard GPS provided a detailed reconstruction of the flight.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological conditions, noting that the area was experiencing foggy, overcast, and low-visibility conditions (visibility between 100 and 200 meters). Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's credentials and the operational nature of the aircraft's recent use, noting that the owner had been using the helicopter for various commercial-style services, such as sightseeing and wedding flights, without the required commercial flight permits.