Cessna 172 Crashes into Wadden Sea Near Norderney

Casualties unknown • nahe Norderney, DE

A single-engine aircraft crashed into shallow waters south of Norderney, resulting in the fatal drowning of the pilot during a flight between Emden and Norderney.

What happened

On April 2, 2014, a Cessna 172 N departed Norderney Airfield (EDWY) at 10:47 AM, flying to Emden (EDWE) to drop off a passenger. After landing in Emden at 10:58 AM, the pilot departed again at 11:02 AM for a return flight to Norderney, this time flying solo.

Radar tracking showed the aircraft flying at approximately 1,300 ft AMSL near Norden-Norddeich at 11:11 AM. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft crossed the coastline at roughly 800 ft AMSL. By 11:12 AM, radar records indicated the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 200 ft AMSL, traveling at 110 knots, positioned about 1.5 NM south of Norderney.

At 11:13 AM, the pilot contacted the Norderney air traffic controller for a crosswind approach, reporting no difficulties. However, after the aircraft failed to appear visually, the controller attempted to contact the pilot multiple times without success. At approximately 10:25 AM, search and rescue services were notified of an activated Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

At 12:17 PM, a rescue vessel located the aircraft upside down in approximately 1.8 meters of water. The wreckage had struck the seabed, which kept the aircraft in place. The pilot was found deceased inside the aircraft; an autopsy determined the cause of death was drowning.

The investigation

The BFU examined radar data, meteorological reports, and the wreckage. The investigation included a physical inspection of the aircraft in the port of Norddeich. Investigators found the aircraft's tail section had broken and twisted, splitting the fuselage into two parts. The flaps were found in the 40° position, and the carburetor heat was engaged. The engine was filled with seawater, and the propeller had been turned twice. Meteorological analysis from the German Weather Service (DWD) revealed that a low-level inversion had caused sea fog to develop over the Wadden Sea during the flight period, with visibility at sea level reported as low as 20 meters by rescue crews.

Findings

  • The aircraft was flying at a low altitude through an area experiencing developing sea fog.
  • While the sky at the airfield was clear, a low-level inversion had created a layer of fog between the sea surface and 200 ft AMSL.
  • The pilot's last radio contact indicated no issues, but the aircraft subsequently entered conditions with significantly reduced visibility.

Probable cause

The pilot likely encountered heavy sea fog at low altitude, leading to spatial disorientation or loss of visual reference, resulting in the aircraft striking the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-04-02 Cessna Aircraft Company / accident near nahe Norderney, DE?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into shallow waters south of Norderney, resulting in the fatal drowning of the pilot during a flight between Emden and Norderney.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-04-02 involved a Cessna Aircraft Company /, at nahe Norderney, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot likely encountered heavy sea fog at low altitude, leading to spatial disorientation or loss of visual reference, resulting in the aircraft striking the water.

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