What happened
On September 28, 2002, two training aircraft collided near the TANGO reporting point during the approach to Mönchengladbach airfield. The first aircraft, a Reims Cessna 152 operated by a student pilot on a solo cross-country flight, was experiencing difficulty locating the TANGO waypoint. To assist with navigation, the air traffic controller provided a specific heading and a transponder code.
Simultaneously, a second Reims Cessna 152, occupied by a flight instructor and a student, was approaching the same waypoint from the north. Although the crew of the second aircraft confirmed they had sighted the first aircraft, they perceived the situation as normal and continued their flight path. The student pilot of the solo flight was focused on navigating the waypoint and did not realize the proximity of the second aircraft, which was obscured by the engine cowling of his own plane.
At approximately 12:36 PM, the two aircraft collided at an altitude of roughly 1,500 feet MSL. The impact caused the solo aircraft to crash, resulting in the fatal injury of the student pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft. The second aircraft sustained heavy damage but was able to land safely at Mönchengladbach, with no injuries reported to the crew.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the collision and the effectiveness of the separation provided by air traffic services. Investigators examined radar tracks, radio communications, and the physical wreckage. The investigation noted that the TANGO waypoint, defined by a road intersection, lacked prominent visual landmarks, making it difficult to identify from the air.
Investigators also reviewed the radio transcripts, noting that communication between the controller and the solo pilot was conducted in German, while the communication involving the second aircraft was primarily in English. This language discrepancy hindered the solo pilot's ability to build a complete situational awareness from the radio traffic.