Incident Overview
On April 11, 2014, a single-engine Cessna 182Q operated by a private pilot collided with meteorological equipment on the Brocken peak in the Harz Mountains. The aircraft subsequently crashed to the ground and was destroyed by fire. Both individuals on board were killed.
Flight Details and Radar Data
The pilot departed from Rügen (EDCG) for Reichelsheim (EDFB) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Although advised to route via Braunschweig due to weather, the pilot proceeded directly. Radar data indicated the aircraft maintained a cruise altitude of 4,100 ft AMSL before descending to 2,775 ft AMSL around 06:33 UTC. After a final radio contact at 06:35 UTC, the aircraft began climbing again. At 06:36:58 UTC, the right wing struck instruments on the roof of the Brocken weather station.
Aircraft and Pilot Profile
The 1980-built Cessna 182Q was equipped with a Continental O-470-U engine and had recently undergone an avionics upgrade to a glass cockpit. The pilot, aged 38, held a private pilot license obtained in August 2013. His total flight experience was approximately 47 hours, with limited time on this specific aircraft type.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the Brocken area experienced fog with visibility reduced to approximately 20 meters. Satellite imagery confirmed dense low-level cloud cover over the crash site. The pilot had not requested an individual weather briefing from the German Weather Service.