Fatal Aircraft Crash Near Bonn-Hangelar Following Engine Issues

Casualties unknown • Verkehrslandeplatz Bonn-Hangelar, DE

A Piper PA 28-140 crashed into a tree near Bonn-Hangelar, Germany, resulting in the death of the pilot after an apparent engine failure caused by fuel exhaustion.

What happened

On November 1, 2011, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 28-140 departed from the Bonn-Hangelar airfield (EDKB) for a flight to Dahlemer Binz. After flying southwest, the pilot turned back toward the departure point, likely because the destination airport was closed due to fog. At approximately 12:26, the pilot radioed intentions to land at Bonn-Haller, announcing a right-hand base leg for runway 11.

However, the aircraft's flight path deviated from the standard traffic pattern. GPS and radar data indicated the aircraft flew north of the A565 motorway, passing over the Sieg river. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude with unusual, "pumping" motions. During a right turn near the village of Meindorf, the aircraft's speed was recorded at 110 knots. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the canopy of an oak tree in a near-vertical descent, causing the wings to separate and the fuselage to catch fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path, fuel status, and the pilot's actions during the final minutes of flight. Investigators analyzed GPS data, radar tracks, and engine components. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's experience, and the fuel consumption patterns since the last refueling. Physical evidence at the crash site included the separated wing segments and the state of the engine's fuel pump and carburetor.

Findings

  • The right wing tank contained only one liter of fuel, while the left tank held approximately ten liters.
  • The pilot was likely managing an engine failure caused by fuel exhaustion in the right tank during the approach.
  • The pilot's attention was likely diverted by attempting to resolve the engine issue, such as switching tanks or attempting to restart the engine via "windmilling," rather than focusing on landing preparations.
  • The aircraft's approach was delayed, and the pilot failed to configure the aircraft for landing, as the flaps remained retracted.
  • The pilot likely steered the aircraft into the terrain to avoid a collision with the nearby residential area after realizing the landing was no longer possible via a standard glide.
  • The propeller was found in a stationary position, suggesting the engine was not producing power at impact.

Probable cause

The accident was likely caused by the pilot encountering engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion in the right tank. The pilot's focus on resolving the fuel issue led to a loss of situational awareness and a failure to maintain the proper approach pattern, ultimately resulting in a forced descent into terrain to avoid residential buildings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-11-01 Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 28-140 accident near Verkehrslandeplatz Bonn-Hangelar, DE?

A Piper PA 28-140 crashed into a tree near Bonn-Hangelar, Germany, resulting in the death of the pilot after an apparent engine failure caused by fuel exhaustion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-11-01 involved a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 28-140, at Verkehrslandeplatz Bonn-Hangelar, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was likely caused by the pilot encountering engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion in the right tank. The pilot's focus on resolving the fuel issue led to a loss of situational awareness and a failure to maintain the proper approach pattern, ultimately resulting in a forced descent into terrain to…

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