What happened
On March 15, 2012, an FK14 Polaris ultralight aircraft departed from the Langenlohnsheim airfield for a local flight. The flight was intended to be an extended circuit involving two occupants. The pilot was performing the flight from the left seat for the first time, as the pilot had previously flown the aircraft with an acquaintance occupying the left seat during prior training sessions.
The flight plan involved visiting nearby ultralight airfields, with a final landing intended at Idar Oberstein to meet another crew.
At approximately 16:15, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude over the Imsweiler airfield area. By 16:30, the aircraft was seen near the town of Rockenhausen. Witnesses reported that while executing a turn, the aircraft stalled/pitched over the right wing and entered a spin-like motion before disappearing into a valley. Shortly thereafter, a column of black smoke was seen rising from the area. The aircraft had struck a hilltop and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the flight conditions, and witness testimonies. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft, a 2008 model, was in good maintenance standing, having undergone its annual inspection in February 2012. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were visual flight rules (VFR) with nearly calm winds.
Investigators examined the wreckage at the crash site, noting that the fuselage and wings were largely destroyed by fire. While a GPS device was available, the specific flight path could not be reconstructed. The investigation also reviewed the qualifications of the occupants, noting that the pilot held a valid ultralight pilot license and the passenger was an experienced pilot with a PPL(A) and glider ratings.