What happened
On the morning of September 4, 2016, a Socata TB 20 departed Heringsdorf Airport for a VFR flight to Michelstadt. Shortly after takeoff from runway 28, the aircraft turned south and reached the waters of the Oderhaff lagoon approximately one minute into the flight. Radar tracking indicated that the aircraft's groundspeed increased from 90 kt to approximately 130 kt as it performed a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with the water surface. The impact was severe enough to eject the occupants from the cabin, and the aircraft was destroyed. There were 3 fatalities.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight's radar track, meteorological conditions, and the pilot's preparations. The investigation established that the aircraft was operating under VFR conditions, with the air traffic controller providing a visibility of 4,200 meters and a cloud ceiling of 1,400 feet. While the pilot had accessed weather data via a mobile app prior to departure, the investigation noted that the area of the accident was experiencing heavier rain and lower cloud ceilings than the airfield. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting the takeoff mass was approximately 1,325 kg, near the maximum allowable takeoff mass of 1,335 kg.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered reduced visibility and lower cloud ceilings due to a localized area of heavier rain at the accident site.
- The aircraft was flying in the vicinity of a warm front, which brought light rain and misty conditions to the region.
- The impact occurred during a turn, which may have contributed to the loss of control in the deteriorating weather.