What happened
On August 2, 2013, a Kroes BX-2 Cherry was on final approach to runway 07 at the Emden airfield following a nearly two-hour flight from Koblen and Winningen. At approximately 17:55 local time, the pilot activated the landing light at an altitude of about 400 feet, at which point the engine failed. To avoid a collision with the approach lighting system, the pilot diverted the flight path and attempted an emergency landing in a field to the left of the runway. Upon initial contact with the ground, the aircraft struck a ditch running perpendicular to the landing direction, causing the aircraft to capsize. The pilot sustained one serious injury, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the engine failure. The investigation noted that the aircraft, an experimental amateur-built design, was registered in the Netherlands. Physical inspection of the wreckage revealed significant structural damage, including the engine being torn from its mounts and the cockpit floor breaking away. Investigators found that the spark plugs showed a brownish combustion pattern and fuel was present in the intake tracts.
While the aircraft's manual specifies that the electrical system should be protected by a 20-amp main fuse, the 15-amp Motronic fuse had popped out of its holder. The pilot stated that due to the low altitude during the emergency, he did not perform the emergency checklists, which include verifying fuel levels and the status of the Motronic switch and main fuse.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an engine failure during the final approach.
- The pilot's decision to divert the flight path to avoid approach lighting led to the aircraft encountering a ditch.
- The aircraft's impact with the ditch caused it to flip, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.