What happened
On April 24, 2018, an experienced pilot was conducting training flights at the Mittelfischach airfield. Following a period of flight training in a dual configuration with an instructor, the pilot attempted a solo departure from runway 15 at 19:45 local time. The takeoff roll of the Air Lony Skylane proceeded normally, and the aircraft lifted off after approximately 150 meters of ground roll with the first stage of flaps extended.
After liftoff, the aircraft transitioned into a shallow climb, which rapidly escalated into a steep climb at full power, reaching an angle of nearly 70 degrees. During this maneuver, the flight instructor, who was monitoring the flight via radio, issued multiple instructions to the pilot to "push forward" to reduce the pitch. The pilot did not respond to these commands. At an altitude of approximately 60 meters, the aircraft pitched forward and rolled to the left. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a right-hand turn with a slight rearward attitude, resulting in a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the flight conditions, and the sequence of events. The investigation established that the pilot had significant flight experience, with over 283 total hours, and had recently renewed his license. Meteorological data indicated near-calm conditions with high visibility and no significant weather hazards. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's trim was set to a "slightly nose-heavy" position prior to the solo flight. The wreckage analysis showed the aircraft impacted a field near runway 33, with evidence of a wing edge strike and propeller blade dispersal consistent with the impact dynamics.