Piper PA-28-140 Crash at Bonn-Hangelar

Incident Overview and Flight Details On November 1, 2011, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA 28-140 crashed near the Verkehrslandeplatz Bonn-Hangelar (EDKB) in Germany. The 75-year-old pilot, who held a private pilot license, was fatally injured in the impact, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. The flight had originated from Bonn-Hangelar at 11:51 local time, with the intended destination being Flugplatz Dahlemer Binz (EDKV). However, GPS data indicated that the aircraft flew southwest into the Eifel region before turning back toward the departure airport. ## Flight Path and Final Approach Approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Dahlemer Binz, the aircraft changed course and returned toward Bonn-Hangelar. The pilot communicated landing intentions via radio at 12:26 and reported a right crosswind approach to runway 11 at 12:29. Witnesses noted that the aircraft was flying unusually low and quietly, with pumping motions. Radar and GPS data showed a ground speed of 110 knots. The aircraft turned 90 degrees right north of Meindorf, and the final radar recording ended at 500 feet altitude. The aircraft then crashed vertically through an oak tree into a pasture, with the wings detached upon impact. ## Aircraft and Pilot Information The PA 28-140, a four-seat low-wing aircraft built in 1976, was powered by a Lycoming O-320-E3D engine. It was privately operated and had a total operating time of 1,537 hours as of September 3, 2011. The pilot, who had been licensed since 1967, had a total flight experience of 2,673 hours. His medical certificate was valid until July 5, 2012, with a requirement to wear glasses. ## Meteorological and Fuel Conditions Weather reports indicated that the Eifel region was closed for flight operations due to fog, with visibility below 1.5 km. At Bonn-Hangelar, conditions were suitable for visual flight. The aircraft's fuel system was examined post-crash, revealing that the right wing tank contained one liter of fuel, while the left tank had approximately ten liters. The owner reported that the aircraft's fuel consumption was typically 33 to 35 liters per hour, with a maximum flight time of over five hours including reserves. No records of flights since the last refueling on October 9, 2011, were available.