What happened
On May 5, 2016, at approximately 14:05, a Socata MS 893 E departed from the Elsenthal-Grafenau (EDNF) airfield for a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a relatively low altitude over the eastern part of Grafenau, initially heading northeast. After performing a right turn and flying in a southwest direction, the aircraft suddenly banked sharply to the left and entered a steep descent.
The aircraft struck an ascending embankment located directly in front of the pilot's residence. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft. The crash also caused damage to nearby buildings and ground vegetation.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the wreckage and the flight path. The aircraft's impact direction was determined to be 080 degrees, with the initial contact occurring against an embankment adjacent to a federal highway. Following the initial impact, the wreckage slid for 27 meters before coming to rest against a gabion wall.
Technical examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or technical defects. There were no indications of an in-flight fire or fire resulting from the impact. The pilot was a highly experienced aviator with over 10,000 total flight hours, including more than 1,000 hours on this specific model.
Findings
- The aircraft entered a steep descent following an abrupt left turn.
- The event was a suicide-related occurrence, according to information available to the BFU.
- Meteorological conditions at the time included scattered clouds and moderate winds with gusts up to 25 knots.