Fatal Ultralight Aircraft Accident in Schweighofen, Germany

Incident Overview and Flight Details On September 11, 2014, a Comco Ikarus C 42 C ultralight aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Schweighofen, Germany, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and passenger. The aircraft, manufactured by Comco Ikarus GmbH, was a two-seat, aerodynamically controlled ultralight with a fixed tricycle landing gear. The flight originated from Pirmasens (EDRP) at 14:15 local time, with Gießen-Lützellinden as the intended destination. Radar data indicated the aircraft was flying at an altitude between 2,300 and 2,500 feet AMSL before descending. At 14:35, the aircraft initiated a turn to the south with continued descent. The final radar contact was lost at 14:36:47, with the aircraft located in the final section of runway 26 at Schweighofen airfield. ## Weather Conditions and Witness Accounts Witnesses reported heavy rain and gusty winds in the area prior to the crash. A dark cloud with heavy rain and wind gusts was observed moving from north-northeast to south-southwest near Schweighofen. During the observed approach, the wind was reported to be light. One witness saw the aircraft descending from the north-northeast at approximately 1,000 feet, with the approach and engine sound appearing normal. Another witness observed the aircraft falling nearly vertically to the ground, noting an object on the left side that appeared to be an opening parachute. Shortly after, the aircraft disappeared behind trees, followed by an explosion and a black smoke cloud. A witness from France reported heavy rain showers and discovered the burning wreckage in a field near the airfield. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The Comco Ikarus C 42 C, built in 2014, had a total flight time of 208 hours. It was equipped with a Rotax 912 UL engine and a Magnum HSSP 450 Speed rescue system. The aircraft's empty weight was recorded as 286.5 kg during a type inspection on February 24, 2014. A 200-hour inspection was conducted on September 8, 2014, after which approximately nine hours of flight time were logged. Maintenance was performed by the owner's workshop. The aircraft was fitted with a 65-liter fuel tank installed behind the seats. ## Accident Site and Post-Crash Findings The wreckage was found on a harvested field west of Schweighofen special landing site (EDRO), approximately 600 meters west of the airfield boundary. The first ground contact marks were located 25 meters north of the wreckage, where the nose wheel, parts of the engine cowling, and door panels were found. The ground in this area was burned over a 6 m x 4 m area. The aircraft was found burned out, with the wing covering preserved in the outer area up to the ailerons. The fuselage section behind the tank to the tail was deformed on the sides, and the fuselage spine was melted. The control system was damaged by the fire and impact, but its function was traceable up to the fracture or fire damage points. The parachute canopy of the rescue system was found approximately 30 meters southwest of the wreckage, with the harness straps burned in the area of cell attachment. The cover of the ejection opening was located 64.5 meters south of the parachute canopy. ## Medical and Pathological Findings Both bodies were autopsied at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Mainz. It was determined that both occupants died from injuries sustained during the impact. No evidence of pre-existing medical conditions that could have impaired their ability to act was found. A fire broke out after the impact, which was extinguished by the fire department. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the German Aircraft Accident Investigation Act (FlUUG), with the sole objective of preventing future accidents and incidents.