What happened
On August 7, 2014, a pilot was conducting flight training to extend his privileges to include passenger flights. After performing several circuits and a solo flight at Burg Feuerstein aerodrome, the pilot departed for a flight to Kulmbach aerodrome.
At approximately 15:39, the pilot attempted to land on runway 09 at Kulmbach. The landing was described as occurring past the mid-runway marker. The pilot was unable to maintain direction, leading to a go-around. During a second landing attempt at 15:42, the aircraft experienced a hard touchdown that caused the aircraft to bounce. This resulted in the aircraft veering toward the left edge of the runway. The pilot initiated a second go-around, but witnesses observed the Comco Ikarus/ C42B climbing at a steep angle to the north before the aircraft tipped over its left wing at an altitude of approximately 30 meters. The aircraft struck the ground and caught fire.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft wreckage, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's medical history. The aircraft was found destroyed and burned on a field approximately 300 meters north of the runway. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were clear (CAVOK) with light winds.
Post-mortem toxicological analysis revealed that the pilot had therapeutic levels of Mirtazapine and Venlafaxine in his system, along with subtherapeutic levels of Lorazepam. The investigation found that the pilot was under treatment by a psychiatrist for depressive episodes and was prescribed these medications. The pilot had not disclosed his medical treatments or medication use to his aero-medical examiner, and the treating physician was unaware of his aviation activities.
Findings
- The pilot sustained fatal injuries due to a polytrauma resulting from the impact.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of control following a hard landing and subsequent bounce.
- The use of prescribed psychoactive medications likely played a significant role in the accident, as these substances can impair concentration, alertness, and motor skills.
- The pilot failed to disclose his medical condition and medication use to the appropriate aviation medical authorities.