What happened
On October 16, 2011, a private flight departed from Itzehoe Airport (EDHF) at 13:12 local time. The aircraft, an amateur-built Lancair 235, was flying in a northeasterly direction at an altitude of approximately 1,400 ft AMSL accompanied by one passenger. Radar tracking by the air traffic service provider continued until 13:22, at which point the flight path recording ended.
Witnesses near the site reported hearing a loud crash. The aircraft impacted a cornfield near Blocksdorf. The impact resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft. The wreckage was found in two main sections, with the engine-propeller unit separated from the cabin area.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's credentials, and radar/GPS data. The investigation found that the pilot held a valid PPL(A) and was qualified to fly single-engine piston landplanes. However, the pilot had very limited experience, with only 105 total flight hours and only about seven and a flight hours specifically on the Lancair 235 model.
Technical analysis of the wreckage showed no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine, propeller, or flight controls. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and light winds.
Findings
Analysis of radar and GPS data indicated that the aircraft was maintaining a relatively constant ground speed of approximately 150 knots, which was significantly above the aircraft's stall speed. The investigation determined that the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, dropping approximately 1,300 ft within a few seconds. The final impact occurred at a steep angle of 70 to 80 degrees, with evidence suggesting the aircraft experienced both pitch and roll oscillations during the descent.
The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot lost control of the aircraft and was unable to recover from the uncontrolled flight state. The BFU was unable to determine the specific reason for the initial loss of control.