What happened
On June 26, 2010, an Elster C departed from the Konstanz (EDTZ) aerodrome on a flight destined for Dinslaken/Schwarze Heide. Shortly after taking off from runway 30, the aircraft experienced significant engine issues. Witnesses near the runway observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude with a low rate of climb, accompanied by audible engine surges. Additionally, observers noted intermittent puffs of dark smoke emitting from the exhaust.
As the aircraft continued its flight path, air traffic controllers observed the plane flying low before it was pulled upward over trees approximately 20 to 25 meters high located behind the runway. The aircraft then entered a slow descent, during which the right wing struck a tree. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its back, resulting in a post-impact fire. Although bystanders attempted to rescue a trapped occupant, the rapid spread of the fire forced them to abandon the effort. The aircraft was destroyed, and two fatalities were confirmed at the scene.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the site of the accident, and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff. Investigators analyzed the wreckage, noting that the aircraft, a wooden high-wing construction, was found inverted. Evidence of the impact sequence was found on the ground, including broken branches from a 15-meter tree and debris from the aircraft's navigation lights and structure. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a highly experienced pilot with over 8,000 hours of total flight time. Due to the intensity of the fire, the aircraft's logbook and several cockpit instruments were destroyed, preventing a full reconstruction of the aircraft's maintenance history or the exact configuration of cockpit controls at the time of the crash.