What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-04-26 involved a EADS Socata TBM 700 B, at Bötersen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew's decision to conduct a VFR approach in insufficient visibility and a subsequent loss of control during an unplanned go-around at low altitude.

Fatal CFIT accident involving Socata TBM 700 near Rotenburg

A Socata TBM 700 crashed during a VFR approach in low visibility, resulting in four fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

On April 26, 2013, an EADS Socata TBM 700 B was conducting a flight from Kiel-Holtenau to Rotenburg (Wümme) for a scheduled stop to pick up passengers before continuing to Friedrichshafen. The flight initially proceeded under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). While approximately 5 nautical miles north of the destination, the crew decided to cancel their IFR flight plan and transition to Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

During the final approach, the aircraft began a continuous descent. Radar data indicated that while the aircraft initially maintained a 3-degree glide path, the sink rate increased significantly below 800 feet AMSL, reaching a maximum of approximately 1,400 feet per minute. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 1.24 NM before the threshold of runway 08, about 570 meters to the left of the approach centerline. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire and resulted in four fatalities. The aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined radar data, radio communications, and meteorological records. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight path and the physical evidence at the crash site, which showed the aircraft had yawed and rolled to the left upon impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilots' flight experience, the weather conditions at the time of the accident, and the crew's pre-flight preparations. No technical malfunctions were identified as contributing factors.

Findings

The crew elected to proceed with a VFR approach despite knowing that weather conditions at the destination included low cloud ceilings (500 ft) and limited visibility.
The transition from IFR to VFR was performed while the aircraft was still in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), meaning the crew could not visually reference the ground.
The pilot likely intentionally increased the sink rate below 800 feet in an attempt to descend below the cloud base to regain visual contact with the terrain.
The pilot attempted a go-around at a very low altitude, but the sudden application of engine power caused an uncoordinated yaw and roll to the left due to propeller torque, leading to the wing striking the ground.
A lack of situational awareness prevented the crew from aborting the descent or the approach before the terrain became an immediate hazard.
External pressures, including the need to meet a specific arrival slot at the next destination and the presence of waiting passengers, may have influenced the decision-making process.