What happened
On February 24, 2009, a Cirrus Design SR22 departed from Kiel-Holtenau for a private VFR flight. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. After an initial period of level flight at approximately 3,100 ft AMSL, the aircraft began a descent at 16:00 UTC.
Radar data and GPS records indicate that the aircraft entered a left-hand turn near Kronprinzenkoog. Shortly after the turn was established, the aircraft began executing abrupt changes in both heading and altitude. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying in a spiral pattern with a significant nose-down pitch. Some observers noted that the engine noise ceased shortly before impact. The aircraft struck an agricultural field near the L237 road, resulting in four fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU reconstructed the flight path using air traffic control radar and the aircraft's Multi-Function Display (MFD) data. The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the prevailing meteorological conditions. While the aircraft was equipped with a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPSTM), the investigation found that the system was not deployed. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight logs, which showed approximately 205 total flight hours, with 82 hours specifically on the SR22 model.
Findings
- The aircraft flew into marginal VFR conditions characterized by low visibility and low cloud ceilings.
- The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation due to a lack of sufficient visual references while flying through haze and clouds.
- The aircraft's autopilot was likely disengaged during the final phase of the flight, as evidenced by the erratic and uncoordinated flight maneuvers.
- The lack of deployment of the emergency parachute system was a significant factor in the high fatality rate.
- There were no evidence of unserviceable mechanical components or weight and balance issues; the aircraft was within its certified limits.