Mid-air collision between two aircraft near Wölfersheim-Melbach

Casualties unknown • Wölfersheim-Melbach, DE

A mid-air collision between a Piper Saratoga and a DR 400 Regent resulted in eight fatalities near Wölfersheim-Melbach.

What happened

On December 8, 2012, a mid-air collision occurred between two aircraft flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) near Wölfersheim-Melbach, Germany. The first aircraft, a Piper PA 32-301 Saratoga, was on a flight from Stadtlohn to Aschwenburg with a pilot and four passengers. The second aircraft, an Avions Pierre Robin DR 400-180 Regent, was traveling from Koblenz-Winningen to Reichelsheim with a pilot and two passengers.

Radar and GPS data indicate that both aircraft were cruising at approximately 3,500 feet AMSL. The aircraft approached each other at a closing speed of 90 knots in a constant bearing configuration. At approximately 16:04 local time, the two aircraft collided south of Melbach, causing both to crash to the ground. The impact resulted in eight fatalities (five in the PA 32-301 Saratoga and three in the DR 400-180 Regent) and the total destruction of both aircraft.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined radar and GPS tracks, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical status. The investigation analyzed the flight paths, noting that the PA 32-301 Saratoga was in an overtaking position relative to the DR 400-180 Regent. The investigators also reviewed the pilots' experience and the cockpit environments, noting that both aircraft had passengers or crew members capable of assisting with lookout duties. The study also included an analysis of visual detection probabilities and the impact of environmental factors like sun position and terrain.

Findings

  • The pilots of both aircraft failed to detect the approaching conflict traffic in time to take evasive action.
  • The aircraft approached each other at a constant bearing.
  • The pilot of the PA 32-301 Saratoga was likely blinded by the low angle of the sun.
  • The surrounding terrain (the Taunus and Vogelsberg hills) created orographic obstructions that limited the visibility of the approaching aircraft.
  • Neither aircraft was equipped with a collision warning system.
  • The aircraft were operating on different radio frequencies, preventing assistance from Flight Information Service (FIS).

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the failure of both pilots to identify the approaching aircraft in time, exacerbated by a constant bearing approach, sun glare affecting the pilot of the overtaking aircraft, and terrain-related visibility limitations.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-12-08 1. Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 32-301 accident near Wölfersheim-Melbach, DE?

A mid-air collision between a Piper Saratoga and a DR 400 Regent resulted in eight fatalities near Wölfersheim-Melbach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-12-08 involved a 1. Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 32-301, at Wölfersheim-Melbach, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the failure of both pilots to identify the approaching aircraft in time, exacerbated by a constant bearing approach, sun glare affecting the pilot of the overtaking aircraft, and terrain-related visibility limitations.

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