What happened
On April 11, 2014, a Cessna 182 Q was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Rügen to Reichelsheim. Prior to departure, the pilot was advised by a flight instructor to divert via Braunschweig due to deteriorating weather, but the pilot proceeded with the original route.
During the flight, the pilot communicated with Bremen Information, indicating intentions to change altitudes to maintain VFR conditions. Radar data showed the aircraft deviated slightly from its course and later descended to approximately 2,775 ft AMSL. Following this descent, the aircraft began to climb again. At 06:36 UTC, the right wing of the aircraft struck measuring equipment on the roof of the Brocken weather station. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground and was destroyed by a post-impact fire. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the pilot's qualifications, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators analyzed radar tracks, radio communications, and the aircraft's recent avionics upgrades. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience, noting that while the pilot held a valid license, his experience with this specific aircraft—which had recently been upgraded with a complex glass cockpit—was very limited. Meteorological data confirmed that while the pilot's flight plan was for VFR, the area around the Brocken was experiencing heavy fog and low cloud cover, significantly reducing visibility.
Findings
- The pilot flew into mountainous terrain under severely restricted visibility.
- The pilot failed to maintain the required safety minimum altitudes for the terrain.
- Inadequate flight planning and a lack of thorough weather briefing meant the pilot was unaware that his direct route passed over the Brocken, which stands at 3,747 ft AMSL.
- The pilot ignored advice to divert to an alternative route that would have avoided the high terrain.
- The pilot's recent transition to a complex glass cockpit may have contributed to a loss of situational awareness.
- The pilot entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without the necessary instrument rating or training.