What happened
On September 13, 2011, a Piper PA-60-602-P Aerostar departed from Hildesheim Airport (EDVM) for a repositioning flight to Augsburg. During the takeoff roll on runway 25, witnesses observed the aircraft accelerating unusually slowly, only lifting off after passing the halfway point of the runway. After takeoff, the aircraft maintained an abnormally low altitude and began to lose height while banking to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck a commercial area approximately 900 meters beyond the airfield boundary, impacting a compost facility. The impact and subsequent intense fire destroyed the aircraft and caused damage to nearby industrial structures. The pilot was killed in the accident.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage, the engines, and the pilot's medical history. Laboratory analysis of the Lycoming engines and motor oil showed no evidence of mechanical failure, lack of lubrication, or excessive wear that could have caused an engine outage. Investigation of the propeller blades on the right engine suggested they may have been moved to the feather position, a procedure typically performed during an engine failure. The BFU also examined the aircraft's annunciator panel and found all warning lights to be fully functional.
Medical examinations and autopsies revealed that the pilot suffered from polytrauma and burns. Notably, investigators found glucose tablets near the pilot. Toxicological and medical reviews indicated that the pilot had diabetes mellitus and that a metabolic disturbance, specifically hypoglycemia, likely caused a loss of consciousness or impaired cognitive function during the takeoff phase.
Findings
- The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state after takeoff, failing to gain sufficient altitude.
- The pilot likely suffered from a loss of consciousness or impaired decision-making due to acute hypoglycemia.
- The pilot's diminished capacity led to significant errors in handling, including an extended takeoff roll and a poor climb profile.
- While a technical issue with one of the engines could not be entirely ruled out, the primary contributing factor was the pilot's medical condition.