Single-engine aircraft crashes during approach at Leutkirch-Unterzeil

Casualties unknown • Leutkirch-Niederhofen, DE

A private flight into Leutkirch-Unterzeil ended in a fatal crash after the pilot attempted an unusual maneuver to avoid parachutists.

What happened

On September 23, 2009, a private cross-country flight was underway from Hahnweide to Leutkirch-Unterzeil. At approximately 13:35 local time, the pilot was flying a MBB/BO 209 RV Monsun at an altitude of roughly 2,800 ft AMSL, passing over the airfield from north to south. The pilot intended to enter the south pattern for a landing on runway 06. Prior to the approach, the pilot had received information from the airfield controller regarding wind conditions, landing direction, and local traffic.

During the maneuver, the pilot attempted to execute a loop to better observe parachutists in the area before committing to the final approach. According to a witness, the aircraft performed a steep left turn that transitioned into a severe right bank and a nose-down attitude, described as a "knife-edge" maneuver. The pilot stated that the turn was likely too steep or performed at too low a speed. In an attempt to recover from the resulting roll and loss of altitude, the pilot applied full power and pushed the nose down, but the aircraft struck the ground.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's condition, and the pilot's actions. The investigation established that the aircraft first impacted the ground with the left wing and left main landing gear at a slight angle. This was followed by the impact of the engine, propeller, and fuselage. The wreckage showed significant deformation to the engine and cabin areas, and the left wing was destroyed. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting a total of 649 hours on powered aircraft and approximately 309 hours on the specific model involved.

Findings

  • The pilot attempted a complex maneuvering sequence (a loop) to visually check for parachutists in the vicinity.
  • The maneuver resulted in an excessively steep bank angle and a loss of altitude.
  • The aircraft entered a state of uncontrolled descent following the attempt to recover from the roll.
  • The pilot sustained one serious injury during the impact.
  • The aircraft was destroyed, though no fire occurred at the crash site.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a steep, looping maneuver to observe parachutists, which led to an excessive bank angle and subsequent loss of altitude and control during the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-09-23 MBB BO 209 RV Monsun accident near Leutkirch-Niederhofen, DE?

A private flight into Leutkirch-Unterzeil ended in a fatal crash after the pilot attempted an unusual maneuver to avoid parachutists.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-09-23 involved a MBB BO 209 RV Monsun, at Leutkirch-Niederhofen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to perform a steep, looping maneuver to observe parachutists, which led to an excessive bank angle and subsequent loss of altitude and control during the approach.

Loading the flight search…