Piper Seneca crashes near Coburg during instrument approach

Casualties unknown • nahe Coburg, DE

A Piper PA-34 Seneca crashed into trees north of Coburg-Brandensteinsebene, resulting in three fatalities after the pilot continued a descent below minimum visibility.

What happened

On November 2, 2013, a Piper PA-34 Seneca was conducting an IFR flight from Hamburg to Coburg-Brandensteinsebene. During the standard GPS approach to runway 30, the aircraft drifted north of the approach centerline and descended below the published altitudes.

As the aircraft approached the airfield, air traffic controllers notified the pilot of deteriorating weather conditions, including fog with visibility as low as 150 meters and vertical visibility of only 100 feet. Despite being warned of these conditions and being notified by radar controllers that the aircraft was flying below prescribed altitudes and drifting right of the centerline, the pilot continued the descent. The aircraft eventually struck trees north of the runway, causing the aircraft to crash. The impact resulted in three fatalities and the destruction of the aircraft.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined radar data, radio communications, and the aircraft's wreckage. Investigators analyzed the cockpit's annunciator and caution panels, finding evidence that the engines were functioning normally at the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's qualifications and the meteorological conditions provided by the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Radar tracks indicated that the aircraft was flying without the use of autopilot, as evidenced by fluctuations in altitude during the descent.

Findings

  • The pilot continued the descent below the established obstacle clearance altitude (OCA/OCH) without sufficient visual contact with the ground.
  • The aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with significantly reduced visibility due to fog.
  • The aircraft drifted right of the approach centerline, possibly due to unexpected wind shear, and failed to correct this deviation.
  • The pilot did not utilize the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) to correct the lateral deviation or monitor the vertical descent profile.
  • The pilot likely attempted to maintain the approach to find visual references for landing despite the weather being below minimums.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot continuing the descent below the obstacle clearance altitude while positioned right of the approach centerline, failing to initiate a missed approach despite the lack of sufficient visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-11-02 Piper Aircraft Corporation accident near nahe Coburg, DE?

A Piper PA-34 Seneca crashed into trees north of Coburg-Brandensteinsebene, resulting in three fatalities after the pilot continued a descent below minimum visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-11-02 involved a Piper Aircraft Corporation, at nahe Coburg, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot continuing the descent below the obstacle clearance altitude while positioned right of the approach centerline, failing to initiate a missed approach despite the lack of sufficient visibility.

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