What happened
On October 2, 2009, a Cessna F 172 N departed from St. Johann (LOIJ) for a flight to Michelstadt (EDFO) carrying two occupants. The flight proceeded westward over the Wild Kaiser mountains, eventually reaching the Inn Valley near Kufstein. At approximately 4,500 ft AMSL, the aircraft turned north along the valley.
Radar tracking by Munich authorities recorded the aircraft as a primary target, but the track ended at 12:41 PM, west of Brannenburg. Following the aircraft's failure to arrive at its destination, it was reported missing. During the night, a search and rescue helicopter located an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal on the eastern slope of the Sulzberg mountain. Investigators later discovered the wreckage wedged among trees at an altitude of approximately 3,500 ft. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological environment. The pilot was an experienced flyer with 338 total hours, though he lacked recent experience in mountainous terrain. The aircraft was found to be in a safe weight and balance configuration with no mechanical defects identified in the engine or flight controls.
Investigators analyzed digital photographs taken by the passenger, which documented deteriorating weather conditions. These images showed a lowering cloud base and patches of stratus along the mountain slopes. Additionally, the investigation noted that the pilot had not sought individual weather briefings for the flight. Medical examinations of the pilot revealed age-related cardiovascular changes that could have impacted decision-making, while the passenger exhibited a high blood alcohol concentration.