What happened
On November 25, 2015, a Piper PA 28-180 departed Wyk auf Föhr (EDXY) at 09:24 local time, bound for Grube (EDHB). The pilot, flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), had previously informed the tower that he intended to fly north toward Flensburg to avoid potential visibility restrictions on the direct route.
Approximately 13 minutes into the flight, after traveling roughly 45 kilometers, the aircraft entered the Lindewitt area. As the pilot encountered significantly deteriorating weather conditions, including low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility, radar data indicates the aircraft began circling while losing altitude. The aircraft subsequently struck a group of trees on an elevated area. The impact caused the aircraft to break apart and catch fire; the wreckage was destroyed by the ensuing blaze. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and passed away in the hospital.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training history, and meteorological data. The aircraft, a 1972 metal-construction low-wing model, had undergone its last airworthiness inspection six hours prior to the accident. The pilot had held a Private Pilot License (PPL) since August 2014, with approximately 66 total flight hours on this specific type.
Investigators analyzed weather reports from the German Meteorological Service (DWD) and local METARs. While conditions at the departure airfield were reported as favorable, reports from nearby stations like Schleswig and Glücksburg indicated much more restrictive conditions, including fog and low ceilings. The investigation also recovered a handwritten schedule from the crash site, which listed several appointments for the day.
Findings
- The pilot abandoned his assigned flight altitude due to descending cloud layers.
- The pilot's decision to proceed was heavily influenced by the good visibility and cloud ceilings present at the departure airfield.
- An insufficient weather briefing was conducted, as the pilot had not sought individual consultation from a weather service.
- Pressure to meet scheduled appointments at the destination likely contributed to the decision to continue the flight despite deteriorating conditions.
- The pilot's lack of extensive flight experience may have impacted his ability to manage the deteriorating VFR conditions.