What happened
On July 11, 2014, a Beechcraft F 33 A departed from Strausberg airport for a cross-country flight to Peenemünde. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the approach to runway 13, the air traffic controller provided updated wind information, noting a wind from 080 degrees with gusts between 20 and 24 knots.
As the aircraft reached the flare, the pilot reported that the plane pitched up and drifted to the left due to the wind. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around using maximum engine power. During this maneuver, the aircraft continued to drift left. The pilot applied right rudder to correct the drift, but the aircraft subsequently lost directional control and rolled, impacting the ground with the left wing first. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, but both occupants remained uninjured.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the flight sequence. The investigation found that the impact site was located on a grassy area approximately 70 meters north and 600 meters southeast of the threshold of runway 13. The wreckage showed significant structural deformation: the engine and propeller were torn from the firewall, the landing gear was collapsed or compressed, and the left wing was bent upward by approximately 90 degrees.
Technical inspections of the engine and flight controls revealed no mechanical failures. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's flight manual specifies a maximum demonstrated crosswind component of 17 knots, while the actual wind conditions included gusts up to 24 knots.