Two fatalities in training flight accident near Mühlacker

Casualties unknown • Segelfluggelände Hangensteinerhof, DE

A homemade ST 87 Vega 1830 crashed into a barn during a training flight, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What happened

On September 26, 2012, a homemade ST 87 Vega 1830 departed from Pattonville airfield (EDTQ) for a training flight. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and a flight instructor (CRI). At approximately 12:40, the aircraft flew low over the Hangensteinerhof glider airfield, passing from east to west before entering a climb. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft turned south and then east.

While traversing the airfield, the engine noise abruptly ceased. The aircraft then banked sharply to the left and disappeared from view after approximately two turns. The aircraft struck the roof of a barn, which subsequently caught fire. The impact and resulting fire destroyed the aircraft and caused the barn to burn out. Both occupants were killed in the accident.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the engine, and the flight circumstances. The engine, a Continental C-90, was disassembled by a specialist workshop. The mechanical inspection of the engine components revealed no defects that could have caused a failure or malfunction; however, cylinder number 4 had been torn from the engine due to the force of the impact.

Investigators also reviewed the flight history and the qualifications of the crew. The instructor held a valid PPL(A) with flight instructor ratings, and the pilot held a valid PPL(A) and glider license. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits, and the aircraft had been properly maintained and registered.

Findings

  • The investigation determined that the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state following a maneuver intended to simulate a go-around.
  • It is highly probable that the instructor reduced power to the student pilot during a southern approach to simulate a second approach to the runway, a practice reportedly used in previous training sessions.
  • The loss of control during this maneuver led to an aerodynamic stall and a subsequent bank that the crew could not recover from due to the low altitude.
  • Age-related declines in the reaction times of both the instructor and the student pilot were identified as contributing factors.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew losing control of the aircraft during a training maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact at low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-09-26 privater Eigenbau ST 87 Vega 1830 accident near Segelfluggelände Hangensteinerhof, DE?

A homemade ST 87 Vega 1830 crashed into a barn during a training flight, resulting in the deaths of both occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-09-26 involved a privater Eigenbau ST 87 Vega 1830, at Segelfluggelände Hangensteinerhof, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew losing control of the aircraft during a training maneuver, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and impact at low altitude.

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