What happened
On June 15, 2012, during a company event at the Betzdorf-Kirchen airfield (EDKI), a DR 400/180R was performing a sightseeing flight. Due to changing wind conditions, the landing direction had been switched from runway 08 to runway 26. The pilot had coordinated a landing sequence with other aircraft, following a Cessna 172 and an R44 helicopter.
As the aircraft approached runway 26, it followed the helicopter at a distance of approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The pilot had previously requested that the helicopter vacate the runway upon reaching the threshold. While the aircraft was in the second half of its final approach, the runway was clear. The pilot reported a normal approach with an airspeed of 130–135 km/h, full flaps, and 2,700 RPM.
However, at an estimated altitude of five meters, the aircraft tilted to the right, causing the right wing to make contact with the ground. The aircraft's tail and right main gear struck the terrain first, followed by the nose, which impacted the ground with enough force to break the engine and propeller from the fuselage. The aircraft then capsized onto its back. The accident resulted in three injuries to the occupants and one bystander suffered shock. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path using FLARM collision warning system data, as the aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder. The investigators analyzed the aircraft's structural damage, including the separation of the engine and the breakage of both wings. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, which included visibility of over ten kilometers and gusty winds.