What happened
On June 18, 2010, an Aquila AT 01 departed Frankfurt-Egelsbach (EDFE) for a private VFR flight carrying a pilot and one passenger. During the approach to land, the pilot was instructed by air traffic control to use the grass runway 09 due to another aircraft being on the final approach for the paved runway. The pilot confirmed the intention to land on the grass strip.
Witnesses observed the aircraft touching down well beyond the threshold of runway 09. After an initial deceleration, the aircraft appeared to accelerate again, lifting off with a high pitch angle. The aircraft then flew over railway power lines located behind the airfield perimeter fence at a low altitude. Following this, the aircraft rolled sharply to the right and impacted a nearby rapeseed field in a nearly vertical descent.
A helicopter crew hovering near the end of the runway observed the aircraft passing the power lines at a low speed, estimated between six and eight meters above the lines, and noted an apparent attempt to regain airspeed before the fatal roll and impact. The crew landed near the wreckage and managed to rescue the severely injured pilot from the burning cockpit, but the spreading fire prevented them from reaching the passenger, who sustered fatal injuries.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage, flight logs, and radio communications. The investigation confirmed the aircraft's weight at landing was approximately 716 kg. Technical examination of the flaps revealed they were in the retracted position. The wreckage showed extensive destruction, including a broken fuselage, a detached engine, and destroyed wing structures. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he was a professional Airbus A340 pilot with approximately 45 hours of experience on single-engine piston aircraft over the previous five years.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the ground in a nearly vertical attitude.
- The aircraft was observed to have low airspeed while passing over the railway power lines.
- The aircraft experienced a sharp right roll immediately following the passage of the power lines.
- The impact resulted in a post-crash fire that consumed the cockpit and engine area.