Engine failure leads to fatal crash of Beechcraft A 36 near Westerland

Casualties unknown • Westerland/Sylt, DE

A private flight to Sylt ended in a fatal accident after an engine failure during the final approach, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.

What happened

On May 30, 2008, a Beechcraft A 36 departed from Maastricht, Netherlands, on a private IFR flight destined for Westerland/Sylt. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and two passengers. While flying east of Helgoland, the pilot transitioned from IFR to VFR flight conditions and began descending from FL 80 toward the southern tip of the island of Sylt.

As the aircraft entered the Westerland control zone, the pilot followed the required VFR reporting points. At approximately 18:48 local time, the pilot reported being on the final approach for runway 06. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft experienced an engine failure, a fact later confirmed by the two surviving passengers. The aircraft struck two trees and crashed onto a road, sliding before coming to a halt against an embankment. The impact forced the engine into the cabin, pinning the two forward occupants.

The investigation

The BFU examined the wreckage and the circumstances of the flight. The investigation noted that during the final radio transmission from the aircraft, a pulsating landing gear warning tone was audible in the background. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting he was a highly experienced pilot with a valid private pilot license and a class 2 medical certificate.

Physical examination of the aircraft revealed that the landing gear was extended. While the propeller showed some damage to one blade, the wing tanks remained intact. Investigators found that the fuel selector switch for the left tank was stuck in the left position due to a bent fairing plate. Furthermore, the fuel injection lines between the distributor and the cylinders were found to be empty and depressurized.

Findings

  • The engine failure occurred during the final approach to runway 06.
  • The left fuel tank was nearly empty, containing only approximately 0.75 liters of Avgas 100LL.
  • The fuel selector switch was physically blocked by a deformed piece of sheet metal, preventing it to be moved to other positions.
  • The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene, while the two passengers were seriously injured.

Probable cause

The engine failure during the final approach, likely caused by fuel starvation or a lack of fuel pressure, led to the loss of power and subsequent impact with trees and the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-30 Beech Aircraft Corporation A 36 accident near Westerland/Sylt, DE?

A private flight to Sylt ended in a fatal accident after an engine failure during the final approach, resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-30 involved a Beech Aircraft Corporation A 36, at Westerland/Sylt, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure during the final approach, likely caused by fuel starvation or a lack of fuel pressure, led to the loss of power and subsequent impact with trees and the ground.

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