What happened
On December 7, 2009, a Beechcraft King Air F90 was conducting a flight from Bremen to Frankfurt-Egelsbach, transitioning from IFR to VFR flight rules. During the final approach to runway 27, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed into a wooded area, where it subsequently caught fire. The aircraft was occupied by a pilot and two passengers; the passenger in the right seat was responsible for handling radio communications.
Radar data and air traffic control records indicate that the aircraft was descending toward the airfield. While the pilot was communicating with Egelsbach Info, the aircraft's ground speed decreased from approximately 190 knots to 130 knots. During the descent, the aircraft entered a layer of fog that had settled at tree-top level, which obscured the view of the runway and the PAPI lights. The aircraft's altitude dropped from 900 feet to 800 feet, and shortly thereafter, radar contact was lost at an altitude of approximately 700 feet. The terrain in the area is roughly 620 feet high, with trees reaching approximately 700 feet.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path, the crew's medical status, and the aircraft's airworthiness. Investigators found that the pilot was flying with an expired license, as his recent reliability check had not been applied for. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft's maintenance release (Nachprüfschein) had expired in October 2009, though a second document with a December expiry date was later provided to investigators.
Medical examinations of the deceased revealed that the pilot had consumed alcohol and was taking anti-Parkinson's medication (Amantadin and Carbidopa) at levels that could impair performance. Toxicology indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.25 ‰, and the presence of alcohol in all three occupants suggested a relaxed atmosphere that may have contributed to a lack of focus. The investigation also noted that the vertical approach profile published on the airfield's website was erroneous, as it calculated a descent that would have resulted in ground impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the descent into a fog layer and obstacles during the final approach.
- The aircraft maintained an excessive rate of descent.
- The pilot's situational awareness was insufficient regarding altitude and distance from the airfield.
- Impaired performance due to the influence of alcohol and medication contributed to the accident.
- The crew failed to utilize available onboard GPS navigation aids to confirm their position.
- The approach speed was too high for the prevailing visibility and weather conditions.