Mid-air collision near Kempten-Durach results in two fatalities

Casualties unknown • nahe Kempten-Durach, DE

A mid-air collision between a Cessna F 172 P and a Diamond DV 20 Katana during circuit training led to the destruction of the Cessna and two deaths.

What happened

On May 15, 2013, at approximately 16:18, a Cessna F 172 P departed Kempten-Durach aerodrome for circuit training with a pilot and an instructor on board. Shortly after, a Diamond DV 20 Katana departed for a local flight with two occupants.

At approximately 16:49, as the pilot of the DV 2-0 Katana was completing a right-hand turn to enter the crosswind leg for runway 25, the pilot observed an aircraft approaching from the left. Despite an evasive maneuver to the right, the two aircraft collided. An eyewitness reported that the right wing of the Cessna F 172 P struck the lower fuselage of the DV 20 Katana during a left-hand turn. The impact caused the Cessna F 172 P to lose its left wing, resulting in a fatal crash into the ground. The pilot of the DV 20 Katana was able to perform an emergency landing in a field approximately 6.6 kilometers away.

The collision resulted in two fatalities for the occupants of the Cessna F 172 P and two minor injuries for the occupants of the DV 20 Katana.

Probable cause

The collision occurred because both pilots failed to identify the other aircraft in time to avoid the impact, compounded by poor visibility due to aircraft design, sun glare, and insufficient radio monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-05-15 1. Reims Aviation Cessna/Cessna F 172 P accident near nahe Kempten-Durach, DE?

A mid-air collision between a Cessna F 172 P and a Diamond DV 20 Katana during circuit training led to the destruction of the Cessna and two deaths.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-05-15 involved a 1. Reims Aviation Cessna/Cessna F 172 P, at nahe Kempten-Durach, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred because both pilots failed to identify the other aircraft in time to avoid the impact, compounded by poor visibility due to aircraft design, sun glare, and insufficient radio monitoring.

Loading the flight search…