What happened
On August 25, 2012, a Bücker 131/Jungmann was performing an aerobatic display at an aviation event at the Albstadt-Degerfeld airfield. The flight sequence began with a spin maneuver initiated at approximately 600 meters above ground level. This initial maneuver was aborted, and the aircraft was repositioned for a second attempt at a lower altitude of approximately 400 meters.
During this second attempt, the aircraft entered a spin that lasted for more than five rotations. Video analysis confirmed that the pilot applied rudder and elevator inputs to recover, but the aircraft failed to level off before impact. The aircraft struck the ground at a -10° pitch angle near the threshold of runway 27. The impact caused heavy damage to the airframe, including broken landing gear and damaged wings, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's qualifications, and the regulatory oversight of the event. Technical inspections of the Bücker 131/Jungmann revealed no mechanical failures; the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records and the event's authorization. While the pilot was highly experienced with over 2,100 flight hours, the BFU found that his recent training could not be verified specifically against the planned aerobatic program. Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the event's permit, which allowed maneuvers at a minimum altitude of 100 meters, significantly lower than the standard 450-meter requirement for aerobatics.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the spin maneuver was terminated at an altitude significantly lower than planned, leaving insufficient height to recover the aircraft to level flight.
- The pilot's recent training and proficiency specifically regarding the planned program were insufficient.
- The selection of a five-rotation spin was inappropriate for the altitude being flown.
- There was a lack of an adequate verification process by the licensing authority to ensure pilots were sufficiently practiced for the specific maneuvers performed at low altitudes.
- The pilot's ability to accurately perceive altitude during the spin was compromised.