What happened
On May 5, 2013, a pilot attempted a cross-country flight from Bad Saulgau to Bad Waldsee in a Flight Design CT2K ultralight aircraft. Prior to departure, the air traffic controller informed the pilot of a seven-knot crosswind originating from 45 degrees to the right.
During the takeoff roll on runway 30, witnesses observed the aircraft drifting toward the left edge of the runway. Approximately 150 meters into the takeoff roll, the aircraft entered a steep climb at a low airspeed. Shortly after, at an altitude of roughly 20 meters, the aircraft entered a left-hand turn and subsequently stalled over the left wing. The aircraft struck a grassy area near a hangar, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and damage to the airfield. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, passing away in the hospital six days after the accident.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and recovered data from the aircraft's engine monitoring system and GPS devices. The investigation established that the aircraft impacted the ground in a nearly vertical orientation. The wreckage showed significant structural failure, including a broken fuselage at the instrument panel, a severed left wing, and a broken propeller. While a fire broke out in the engine compartment, it was extinguished with dry powder extinguishers. The aircraft's emergency ballistic parachute system did not deploy.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, drifting leftward toward the runway boundary.
- The aircraft entered a steep climb at a low airspeed, leading to an aerodynamic stall over the left wing.