What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-02-03 involved a Cessna Aircraft Company Cessna 172 R, at Augsburg, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of directional control immediately after takeoff, resulting in a collision with the airport perimeter fence; no mechanical or technical failures were identified in the flight controls or engine.

Cessna 172 R crashes during training flight in Augsburg

A training flight involving a student pilot and two instructors ended in an aircraft accident near Augsburg, Germany, after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control after takeoff.

What happened

On February 3, 2015, a Cessna 172 R departed from runway 25 at Augsburg Airport for a training flight. The aircraft was occupied by a student pilot in the left seat, a flight instructor candidate in the right seat, and an experienced instructor in the rear seat. The purpose of the flight was to conduct a simulated radio navigation check as part of the student's training.

Prior to departure, the crew had cleared snow from the aircraft, which had been parked outdoors overnight. The student pilot reported that the takeoff roll proceeded without any noticeable abnormalities. However, shortly after liftoff, while maintaining a speed between 62 and 65 knots, the aircraft suddenly veered sharply to the right. The student pilot attempted to apply full left rudder, but the aircraft did not respond. The instructor candidate then attempted to correct the deviation using aileron inputs, which also proved ineffective. The aircraft continued to bank to the right and only responded after a corrective left input was applied. During this loss of control, the right wing struck the airport perimeter fence, causing the aircraft to capsize. The aircraft came to rest in a snow-covered field approximately 300 meters from the point of liftoff. All three occupants were able to exit the aircraft without injuries, though the Cessna 172 R was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation included an analysis of the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the last 100-hour inspection had been completed in January 2015. The investigators also examined the meteorological conditions, noting that temperatures had been below freezing in the preceding days with recent snowfall. Upon inspection of the wreckage, investigators found that the engine, control surfaces, and engine mounts showed no evidence of technical failure. However, frozen droplets were observed on the upper surfaces of both wings following the aircraft's recovery to a hangar.

Findings

The aircraft experienced a sudden, uncommanded rightward deviation immediately after takeoff.
No technical defects were found in the engine or the flight control systems.
The aircraft struck the airport perimeter fence, leading to the destruction of the airframe.
While the aircraft had been cleared of snow before takeoff, frozen droplets were present on the upper wing surfaces during the investigation.