Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Piper PA-34 in Osnabrück

Casualties unknown • Osnabrück, DE

A Piper PA-34-220T experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff from Osnabrück-Atterheide, resulting in a forced landing and multiple injuries.

What happened

On March 10, 2016, at approximately 11:05 AM, a Piper PA-34-220T departed from Osnabrück-Atterheide airport for a flight to Offenburg under instrument flight rules. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers. Following a routine engine run-up, the aircraft took off from runway 09.

Immediately after liftoff, the left engine lost power. The pilot attempted to fly a wide left-hand pattern, intending to select an appropriate field for an emergency landing. However, due to a continuous loss of altitude, the aircraft drifted toward a fallow field approximately 2 km from the airfield. During the approach, the aircraft passed between two buildings before impacting the ground at 11:07 AM. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 180 degrees. The aircraft was destroyed, and the incident resulted in 2 serious and 2 minor injuries.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, maintenance history, and the flight path using GPS data. Investigators analyzed the engine failure, the aircraft's weight and balance, and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, noting recent work on the fuel system and previous issues with the landing gear. GPS data confirmed that after the initial climb, the aircraft's total energy decreased continuously, indicating an inability to maintain altitude.

Findings

Several contributing factors were identified that prevented a successful emergency recovery:

  • The engine failure occurred immediately after takeoff, leaving very little altitude for maneuvering.
  • The aircraft was significantly overweight; the payload was at least 60 kg above the maximum allowable limit.
  • The aircraft configuration was not optimized for single-engine flight, as the propeller was not feathered and the landing gear was not fully retracted.
  • The aircraft was unable to maintain the required single-engine climb speed (VYSE) due to the combination of the engine failure, the excessive weight, and the improper configuration.
  • The pilot's flight path prevented the selection of a suitable emergency landing site.
  • An adequate pre-flight briefing regarding engine failure procedures was not performed or was insufficient.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the flight path taken following the engine failure, which precluded the selection of a suitable emergency landing field. This was compounded by the engine failure occurring immediately after takeoff and an aircraft configuration that prevented a climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-03-10 Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-34-220T accident near Osnabrück, DE?

A Piper PA-34-220T experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff from Osnabrück-Atterheide, resulting in a forced landing and multiple injuries.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-03-10 involved a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-34-220T, at Osnabrück, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the flight path taken following the engine failure, which precluded the selection of a suitable emergency landing field. This was compounded by the engine failure occurring immediately after takeoff and an aircraft configuration that prevented a climb.

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