What happened
On August 19, 2013, a Lancair ES departed Biberach an der Riß (EDMB) at 15:48 local time for a flight intended to familiarize the pilot with the aircraft type. The flight involved a flight instructor, a pilot undergoing training, and a third passenger. After departing the airfield, the aircraft performed several maneuvers at approximately 4,500 feet AMSL, including left and right turns.
Radar data indicates that during the final 80 seconds of the flight, the aircraft entered a continuous climb while the airspeed steadily decreased. At approximately 16:06:45, the groundspeed dropped to 90 knots, and the radar track ended abruptly. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft pitch forward and observed the engine revving loudly as the aircraft entered a vertical descent, rotating multiple times around its axis. The aircraft struck the ground near Oberopfington, resulting in three fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU examined radar recordings, engine components, and cockpit audio. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's engine, including the crankshaft, cylinders, and magnetos, was in good working order, and any damage was consistent with the impact. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits.
Audio from the Memmingen Tower frequency captured a desperate exclamation from the flight instructor: "Ich krieg sie nicht raus" ("I can't get it out"), indicating an attempt to recover the aircraft from an uncontrollable state. An onboard camera from a previous flight on the same day provided context regarding the aircraft's handling, though it did not capture the final moments of the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft likely entered a spin during a slow-flight demonstration as the pilot approached the stall speed.
- The pilot's experience with this specific aircraft type was limited to 25 hours, and while highly experienced in general aviation, his knowledge of the specific stall and spin characteristics of the Lancair ES was restricted.
- The pilot may have increased engine power during the onset of the stall, which, combined with propeller torque, likely contributed to the development of the spin.
- Atmospheric turbulence may have also played a role in initiating the loss of control.
- The pilot was unable to recover the aircraft from the spin before the impact.