What happened
On May 25, 2010, an ultralight aircraft, an Ikarus C 42 B, departed from the Wertheim airfield for a second flight of the day. The pilot, who was accompanied by a licensed passenger, had previously completed a 49-minute flight and a short break.
Shortly after takeoff, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a shallow angle before transitioning into a nearly vertical climb. At an altitude between 35 and 45 meters, the aircraft experienced a sudden right-hand rotation of approximately 100 degrees. The aircraft subsequently struck a field located roughly 80 meters beyond the extension of runway 07. The impact resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the flight conditions, and the wreckage. The aircraft, a 2003 model, had a total flight time of 735 hours and had undergone its last annual inspection in September 2009. At the time of takeoff, the aircraft was fueled with 14 liters of fuel, and the weight and balance were within operational limits.
Examination of the wreckage revealed extensive damage. The forward section of the fuselage, including the engine, propeller, and cowling, was destroyed. The engine had been torn from its mount and pushed into the cockpit. The wings also sustained severe structural damage, with the right wing destroyed and the left wing split along its length. The investigation found no evidence of technical malfunctions; all control surfaces, linkages, and bearings were intact. The flaps were found in the takeoff position, and the trim was set to a tail-heavy configuration. The aircraft's emergency recovery system was not deployed.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) with clear skies and light winds.
- The extreme right-hand rotation during the climb led to the fatal impact.
- The engine was found to have been running at 5,000 RPM at the time of impact.