Engine failure during initial climb leads to fatal crash near Schwenningen

Casualties unknown • Nahe Flugplatz Schwenningen, DE

An Extra 330 SC aircraft crashed into a warehouse roof following a fuel supply interruption during its initial climb, resulting in the pilot's death.

What happened

On July 30, 2015, an Extra 330 SC departed from runway 22 at the Schwenningen airfield. Witnesses observed the aircraft climbing at a normal angle, which became increasingly steep during the ascent. Shortly after, the sound of the engine ceased. At an estimated altitude of 70 to 120 meters, the aircraft entered a banking maneuver followed by a steep descent, ultimately striking the roof of a warehouse. The nose of the aircraft penetrated the warehouse roof, causing significant damage to the structure and stored goods. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The investigation

The BFU examined the aircraft's engine monitoring device (EDM 800), which recorded data in six-second intervals. The data revealed that while the throttle remained wide open, there was a period of reduced fuel flow, followed by a return to normal flow, and finally a second period of low fuel flow accompanied by low exhaust gas temperatures. This sequence indicated that the engine suffered a loss of fuel supply and eventually ceased running, merely rotating due to the windmilling effect.

An inspection of the engine by a specialist workshop found no evidence of pre-existing damage that could have caused the failure. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's medical records and toxicology report, which showed no impairment from drugs, alcohol, or underlying health conditions. Furthermore, witnesses indicated that the pilot's flight history did not include performing aerobatics during the initial climb, ruling out intentional loss of control for maneuvers as a cause.

Findings

  • An interruption in the fuel supply occurred during the initial climb, leading to an engine failure.
  • The pilot attempted an emergency procedure to return to the airfield, but the available altitude was insufficient to regain control of the aircraft.
  • The presence of a crosswind may have influenced the pilot's decision-making regarding emergency landing sites.
  • The emergency procedure initiated following the engine failure was not suitable to avoid the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an interruption in the fuel supply during the initial climb, resulting in an engine failure. The subsequent attempt to return to the departure airfield led to a loss of control because the remaining altitude was insufficient to stabilize the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-30 Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und VertriebsGmbH/ EA 330 SC accident near Nahe Flugplatz Schwenningen, DE?

An Extra 330 SC aircraft crashed into a warehouse roof following a fuel supply interruption during its initial climb, resulting in the pilot's death.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-30 involved a Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und VertriebsGmbH/ EA 330 SC, at Nahe Flugplatz Schwenningen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an interruption in the fuel supply during the initial climb, resulting in an engine failure. The subsequent attempt to return to the departure airfield led to a loss of control because the remaining altitude was insufficient to stabilize the aircraft.

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