What happened
On June 11, 2011, a Schleicher ASH 26 E motor glider was conducting a cross-country flight that spanned approximately 478 km. The flight, which lasted roughly six hours, concluded with an approach to the Mönchsheide glider airfield near Bad Breisig, Germany.
During the final stages of the flight, the pilot transitioned from the right side of the Rhine to the left side of the river. Instead of opting for a direct approach from the right side—which would have provided a safer altitude margin—the pilot chose to fly a wider pattern via the north field circuit. As the aircraft approached the airfield, it was flying through light rain with increasing winds.
At approximately 17:10 local time, the aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude over a wooded area approaching the airfield. While executing the final turn for the landing approach to runway 29, the glider struck trees approximately 580 meters from the runway threshold. The impact caused the cockpit to be destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined flight data from a Zander Z1 SDI flight computer and a GP941 data logger. The analysis revealed that the aircraft had lost approximately 1,250 meters of altitude during the final eight minutes of the flight. Investigators also reviewed meteorological data, witness statements, and the aircraft's configuration at the time of impact. The investigation noted that the aircraft's flaps were set to a landing position of +38°, and both the landing gear and engine were retracted.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with trees during the final part of the landing approach.
- The pilot's decision to forgo a direct approach from the right side of the Rhine eliminated available safety margins.
- The aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude during the final approach phase.
- Deteriorating weather conditions, including increasing winds and light rain, acted as contributing factors.
- The length of the six-hour flight may have contributed to pilot fatigue during the critical landing phase.