Engine failure leads to emergency landing of Pipistrel Virus SW100 in Germany

Casualties unknown • Werl, DE

A Pipistrel Virus SW100 ultralight aircraft experienced an engine failure and subsequent nose gear collapse during an emergency landing in a plowed field near Paderborn.

What happened

On August 13, 2012, a pilot and one passenger departed Soest (EDLZ) for Dresden in a Pipistrel Virus SW100. After landing in Dresden, the pilot planned a return flight for the following day. Before departing Dresden that evening, the pilot estimated the fuel remaining in the wing tanks to be approximately 60 liters. Based on a planned flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes and an estimated consumption of 30 liters, the pilot expected to arrive back in Soest with 26 liters of fuel remaining.

During the return flight, the pilot encountered significant headwinds, prompting a request to Bremen Information to delay the expected arrival time. While flying near the Kassel control zone, the pilot noted that the actual fuel level was lower than the anticipated 30 liters. Upon approaching Paderborn (EDLP), the pilot initially requested a direct approach to runway 06, but shortly after, reported engine issues and an intention to return to Soest. Minutes later, the pilot declared an emergency due to an engine failure.

The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field located approximately 3.5 km east of the threshold of runway 06. The field had been recently plowed. During the landing, the nose gear broke, causing the aircraft to overturn. Both the pilot and the passenger were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.

The investigation

The BFU examined the aircraft, flight data from a GPS device, and radar records from the air traffic service. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the physical damage sustained during the impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's fuel planning and the meteorological conditions, which included VFR conditions with a light wind at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including a broken nose gear, a broken propeller spinner, and cracks in both propeller blades.
  • The left wing broke 1.8 meters from the fuselage, exhibiting delamination toward the wing root.
  • The engine failure occurred at an altitude of approximately 1,200 to 1,300 feet.
  • The pilot's fuel calculations were inaccurate, as the actual fuel remaining was lower than the estimated 30 liters due to unexpected headwinds.

Probable cause

The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was operating with lower-than-expected fuel levels due to unpredicted headwinds, leading to an emergency landing on uneven, plowed terrain which caused the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to overturn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-14 Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina/ Virus SW100 accident near Werl, DE?

A Pipistrel Virus SW100 ultralight aircraft experienced an engine failure and subsequent nose gear collapse during an emergency landing in a plowed field near Paderborn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-14 involved a Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovščina/ Virus SW100, at Werl, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was operating with lower-than-expected fuel levels due to unpredicted headwinds, leading to an emergency landing on uneven, plowed terrain which caused the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to overturn.

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