What happened
On June 20, 2018, at approximately 19:10 local time, a pilot initiated a private VFR flight from the Mosbach-Lohrbach aerodrome. The aircraft, an amateur-built Jodel D92, was being operated by the pilot, who was also the owner and operator.
According to the duty flight controller, the aircraft taxied to the start of runway 33 and the pilot performed the required engine checks. During the takeoff roll, the controller observed the aircraft lift off the ground at the halfway marker, noting that the rotation appeared to occur too early and at an insufficient airspeed. The flight controller described the aircraft's flight characteristics immediately after takeoff as "spongy."
After flying straight for approximately 1,000 meters at an altitude roughly 20 meters above the surrounding treeline, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn near the edge of a forest. During this maneuver, the aircraft reached a bank angle of approximately 60 degrees and a pitch angle of 10 degrees. The aircraft then entered a descending turn with increasing bank angle, ultimately impacting the ground. The impact resulted in the fatal injuries of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was an amateur-built, single-engine, low-wing aircraft with a wooden structure. Technical inspections of the flight controls—including the elevator, ailerons, and rudder—revealed no mechanical defects. The engine, a modified 39 HP VW engine, showed no signs of malfunction, as evidenced by normal combustion patterns on the spark plugs.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials and experience. The pilot held a valid PPL(A) and was experienced in flying ultralight aircraft. However, his experience specifically with this Jodel D92 model was limited to approximately 7 hours of flight time across only six takeoffs and landings.
Findings
- The aircraft rotated during the takeoff roll at an insufficient speed.
- The pilot entered a steep descending turn shortly after takeoff.
- The aircraft rotated too early during the takeoff roll, leading to unstable flight characteristics immediately after liftoff.