What happened
On April 5, 2017, a Next Aircraft MD 3 Rider ultralight aircraft departed Hannover Airport (EDDV) for a training flight. The crew consisted of a flight instructor and a student pilot. The original intent of the flight was to perform circuit patterns at Hannover; however, air traffic control denied this request due to runway availability constraints.
Following the denial, the aircraft exited the control zone, traveling northwest along the A7 motorway. The aircraft eventually turned west near the town of Elze, where the crew performed six simulated landings on a field between Bennemühlen and Brelingen at an altitude of approximately 20 meters. After these maneuvers, the aircraft turned east, performed two full circles, and then resumed a northwest heading.
During a descent toward a field near Elze, the aircraft struck a high-voltage power line. Witnesses reported an electric arc followed by the aircraft falling to the ground in flames. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path, the aircraft's condition, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. Radar data and witness statements were used to reconstruct the sequence of events. The investigation found that the aircraft was properly maintained and that no technical malfunctions were evident in the engine or flight controls.
Investigators also reviewed the crew's experience and the specific terrain. While the instructor was highly experienced with 10,0-00 flight hours, he had only been teaching at this specific flight school for a few months and was likely not sufficiently familiar with the terrain north of the Hannover control zone. The investigation also noted that the instructor had previously inquired about regulations for off-airport landings, though off-field training was not explicitly planned for that day.
Findings
Several contributing factors led to the collision with the power lines:
- The crew failed to perceive the high-voltage lines during the final approach.
- The low angle of the sun caused significant glare during the approach.
- Long shadows cast by nearby wind turbines made the environment difficult to survey.
- The crew's attention was likely diverted by the need to maintain safe distance from large wind turbines flanking the landing field.
- A treeline partially obscured the power line pylons during the final descent.
- The instructor's lack of familiarity with the specific local terrain.