Beech C24R Crash Near Könnern

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 10 September 2015, a Beech C24R aircraft crashed into a field near the town of Könnern, Germany. The accident occurred during a private visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Wittmundhafen (ETNT) to Halle-Oppin (EDAQ). The pilot, a 52-year-old private pilot, was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed. The crash resulted in damage to the surrounding agricultural land. ## Flight Path and Radar Data The flight departed Wittmundhafen at 07:46 local time. The aircraft initially flew on a southeasterly course toward Magdeburg. After overflying the Magdeburg-Cochstedt control zone, the flight path changed near Staßfurt at 07:24 UTC, taking an easterly course before turning southeast and then south toward the A14 motorway near Könnern. Radar recordings indicated that at 07:31:11 UTC, the aircraft was at approximately 400 ft AMSL (about 100 ft AGL). By 07:31:16 UTC, the altitude had dropped to about 300 ft AMSL (about 30 ft AGL), marking the closest approach to the A14. The aircraft then climbed to 500 ft AMSL at 07:31:19 UTC and 800 ft AMSL at 07:31:24 UTC. Radar data ended at 07:31:29 UTC, showing a left turn at approximately 600 ft AMSL. ## Meteorological Conditions No evidence was found that the pilot had obtained an individual weather briefing before the flight. The departure weather at Wittmundhafen was good, with visibility over 10 km and light cloud cover. However, fog was forecast for the destination area. The GAFOR classification for the Magdeburg and Halle-Oppin areas was rated as “Mike 7” (critical). At the crash site, police reported visibility of approximately 200 to 300 meters, with the upper rotor blades of nearby wind turbines not visible. A search and rescue helicopter pilot reported visibility under 1,000 meters with low cloud on the approach to the site. The flight leader at Halle-Oppin reported visibility of about 100 meters at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft and Pilot Information The aircraft was a 1979 Beech C24R, a single-engine, four-seat low-wing airplane with retractable landing gear and a piston engine. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,249 kg and was privately owned in Germany. The last airworthiness inspection was conducted on 6 March 2015 at 2,489 hours of operating time, with approximately 14 hours flown since then. The pilot held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) issued on 4 July 2006, valid until 24 October 2017. He had approximately 368 hours of total flight experience in powered aircraft and about 10 hours in the last 90 days, including 14 takeoffs and landings in the accident aircraft type. He did not hold an instrument rating, and the aircraft was not equipped for instrument flight. ## Crash Site and Aircraft Findings The crash site was located on agricultural land near Könnern, between the L144 road and the A14 motorway, close to wind turbines and high-voltage power lines, at an elevation of about 83 meters (272 ft AMSL). The first ground contact was made by the left wing, 42 meters from the main wreckage. The main wreckage was aligned at 073 degrees and in normal flight attitude. Both wings were detached and found near the wreckage. The landing gear and flaps were in the retracted position. A strong fuel odor was present, and the fire brigade pumped out approximately 30 to 50 liters of fuel. Both propeller blades were twisted in a spiral shape, and all eight spark plugs showed a clean, reddish-brown combustion pattern. ## Medical and Technical Findings The autopsy report, issued on 6 November 2015, identified severe polytrauma as the cause of death, with no relevant pre-existing conditions. Microscopic examinations of the aircraft instruments revealed a clear impact mark on the boost pressure gauge at 31 inches of mercury. ## Assessment The pilot held the required licenses and ratings for VFR flight but did not have an instrument rating. The aircraft was not equipped for instrument flight. The weather deteriorated during the flight from good VMC conditions at departure to IMC at the destination. The flight path changes suggest the pilot had to alter course and altitude due to weather. The radar data indicated a descent rate of over 4,000 ft/min near the ground, which would not have been consistent with an engine failure. The propeller and spark plug findings indicated the engine was running at impact.