What happened
On May 6, 2009, at approximately 11:16 AM, a mid-air collision occurred north of Dornum, Germany, involving two aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The first aircraft, a Cessna 208 B, was performing a commercial flight from Emden to Langeoog, carrying the pilot and a loading assistant. The second aircraft, a Cessna FR 172 K, was on a commercial flight from Wangerooge to Norden-Norddeich.
Radar data indicates that the two aircraft were on converging paths with a standing bearing of 224°. The Cessna 208 B was in a descent at a ground speed of 170 knots, while the Cessna FR 172 K was maintaining level flight at 90 knots. The closing speed between the two aircraft was approximately 125 m/s.
The pilot of the Cessna FR 172 K reported seeing the other aircraft suddenly directly ahead at the same altitude on a collision course from the left. In a reflexive maneuver, the pilot pushed the control column forward, but the aircraft was jerked to the right following a loud impact. The pilot of the C/208 B stated that the other aircraft appeared suddenly and was not visible prior to the collision. Following the impact, both aircraft remained airworthy and continued to their respective destinations, where they landed safely. There were no fatalities and no injuries.
The investigation
The BFU examined radar recordings from the air traffic control organization and analyzed the flight paths, altitudes, and speeds of both aircraft. The investigation also included inspections of the aircraft at their destination airports. The Cessna 208 B sustained damage to its right wing leading edge, a deformed landing gear fairing, and a slit in the cargo container. The Cessna FR 172 K suffered significant damage, including approximately two meters of the right outer wing being severed at the spar, and damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Findings
- The collision occurred in the transition zone between Class G (uncontrolled) and Class E (controlled) airspace.
- The collision between the two aircraft was the primary event.
- Neither aircraft was equipped with a collision avoidance system, though such equipment was not required by the regulations in effect at the time.
- There was no radio communication between the two aircraft prior to the impact.