Incident Overview
On June 4, 2013, at approximately 14:50 local time, an Ikarus C 42 ultralight aircraft manufactured by Comco Ikarus GmbH was involved in an accident at Flugplatz Hamm-Lippewiesen (EDLH). The aircraft, which had taken off from runway 06 for a training flight 24 minutes prior, was on final approach to runway 24. A 58-year-old flight instructor and a 21-year-old student were aboard. The instructor sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft suffered heavy damage.
Flight Sequence and Contributing Factors
The pilot reported that after entering the traffic pattern for runway 06, he switched to runway 24 upon hearing of a runway change via radio. He was second in line behind another Ikarus C 42. During the final approach, the end of the runway was blocked by the previously landed aircraft and a motor glider (Dimona) positioned near the edge. Additionally, a tailwind component resulted in the aircraft being too high for a safe landing.
At the half-runway mark, the pilot determined the altitude was still excessive and initiated a go-around maneuver. The crew reported a loss of engine power during this phase. The instructor took control and executed a shallow full circle to the right, flying low over the airfield's eastern hangars and passing over the waiting motor glider. As the near-ground circuit concluded, the aircraft rolled over its left wing and impacted the ground.
Aircraft Condition and Investigation Findings
The wreckage was located at the southern boundary of the airfield, perpendicular to the first third of runway 24. The engine was bent downward, the cowling was fractured, and the landing gear was completely sheared off. One propeller blade was detached approximately 20 cm from the hub. The throttle lever was found in the full-power position, while the ignition switch and fuel pump were off.
Investigations revealed that a few days before the accident, both carburetors had been removed from the engine to troubleshoot another aircraft. The subject aircraft had been operated for 2 hours and 31 minutes since this maintenance work, with no documentation of the repair completion available to the investigators. No fire occurred, and minor ground damage was noted.