Aerobatic Spin Leads to Fatal Aircraft Destruction in Brilon

Casualties unknown • Brilon, DE

A single-seat experimental biplane entered an uncontrolled spin during an aerobatic demonstration, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to the pilot.

What happened

On May 31, 2009, at approximately 15:18 local time, a Super Acro Sport biplane departed from the Brilon-Hochsauerland airfield to perform a scheduled aerobatic demonstration. The flight was part of an aviation event, with a 15-minute program slot allocated by the event organizers. Prior to takeoff, the pilot had coordinated the sequence of maneuvers with the event commentator; however, no radio call was made to the airfield management at the start of the performance.

Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to an altitude between 50 and 800 meters, the aircraft transitioned from straight flight into a left-hand spin while heading west. Witnesses observed that the spinning motion briefly interrupted near the ground before the aircraft impacted a field north of the runway. The impact occurred approximately four minutes after takeoff. The aircraft struck the ground at a 40-degree longitudinal pitch, initially making contact with the landing gear.

The investigation

The BFU investigation focused on the flight path, the aircraft's condition, and the pilot's actions. Investigators examined the wreckage of the Super Acro Sport, an experimental single-seat biplane powered by a 200 hp Lycoming-IO-360 engine. The wreckage was found within a 22-meter radius, with all control surfaces remaining attached to the wings and tail. While a wooden propeller blade had broken near the root, there were no indications of mechanical failure. The fuel mixture was set to rich, and the throttle was at full power. The investigation also noted that the trim adjustment cable had snapped near the control lever.

Findings

  • The pilot confirmed that he miscalculated the control inputs required to recover from the spin.
  • Upon realizing the aircraft was on an incorrect heading following the recovery attempt, the pilot made a spontaneous decision to extend the maneuver temporarily.
  • This decision resulted in insufficient altitude to complete a recovery maneuver before ground impact.
  • The pilot sustained serious injuries during the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to extend an aerobatic maneuver after an unsuccessful recovery attempt, which left insufficient altitude to prevent the aircraft from impacting the ground while in a spin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-05-31 Amateurbau Super Acro Sport accident near Brilon, DE?

A single-seat experimental biplane entered an uncontrolled spin during an aerobatic demonstration, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and serious injuries to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-05-31 involved a Amateurbau Super Acro Sport, at Brilon, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to extend an aerobatic maneuver after an unsuccessful recovery attempt, which left insufficient altitude to prevent the aircraft from impacting the ground while in a spin.

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