What happened
On May 21, 2010, a two-seat Schleicher ASK 16 motor glider departed from the Koblenz-Winningen airfield for a cross-country flight toward Essen-Mülheim. During the takeoff roll, the air traffic controller observed that the aircraft's airbrakes were extended and attempted to notify the pilot via radio.
The pilot reported experiencing a significant reduction in climb performance during the takeoff run. While checking the engine and landing gear functionality, the pilot determined that the aircraft could not maintain sufficient altitude to return to the airfield. After initiating a left turn to head back to the airport, the pilot realized the altitude was insufficient to clear the airfield perimeter and decided to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck an overhead power line and subsequently impacted the ground.
The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger sustained serious injuries. The collision also caused damage to an overhead power line.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the site of the accident, and the pilot's recent flight history. The investigation confirmed that the accident site was located approximately 800 meters northeast of the airfield. Physical examination of the Schleicher ASK 16 revealed that the left wing had been repeatedly severed by the power lines, and the right wing was destroyed upon initial ground contact. The fuselage sustained heavy compression, and the horizontal stabilizer was severely damaged.
Technical analysis of the engine and flight controls showed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The investigation also noted that the pilot had recently obtained their license, having completed their solo flight only one day prior to the accident.