What happened
On October 14, 2018, a Cessna F 172N was performing a landing at the Wasserkuppe special landing field. After the pilot initiated a go-around maneuver, the aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude while climbing over the rising terrain at the end of the runway. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 70 meters beyond the runway end and continued toward a road crossing the departure path.
During the sequence, the aircraft collided with a barrier installation and subsequently struck three pedestrians who were on the road. The aircraft finally came to rest in a field approximately 150 meters from the runway end. The collision resulted in 3 fatalities among the pedestrians, while the four occupants of the aircraft escaped without injury. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's performance, weight, and the airfield environment. The investigation established that the aircraft was overweight; the takeoff mass from Mannheim was approximately 1,105 kg, exceeding the maximum takeoff mass of 1,043 kg. At the time of the go-around, the aircraft was still approximately 28 kg overweight.
Investigators analyzed the runway geometry, noting a significant upward slope of the terrain. The investigation also reviewed the engine's condition, finding no evidence of power loss that could explain the inability to climb. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the airfield's safety protocols and the presence of unauthorized vehicles parked on the road, which obscured the view of pedestrians and the approaching aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause was the decision to initiate a go-around at a position where the aircraft lacked sufficient performance to clear the rising terrain.
- The aircraft was operating in an overweight condition.
- The complex terrain and runway configuration at Wasserkuppe, characterized by an uphill slope and limited remaining runway length, made the maneuver extremely difficult.
- The presence of unauthorized parked vehicles on the road near the runway end obstructed the visibility of pedestrians and the aircraft.
- The pilot's decision to perform the go-around was late, leaving insufficient distance to complete the necessary flap retraction sequence and climb over the obstacles.