What happened
On June 10, 2019, a Flysynthesis Storch 582 ultralight aircraft crashed at the Werneuchen airfield in Germany. The pilot, who had recently acquired the aircraft following a transfer of ownership, was performing a solo flight intended to be part of a series of training circuits.
Shortly after takeoff from runway 08, the aircraft entered an initial climb. Video evidence captured the moment the aircraft began to oscillate, followed by visible aileron flutter. During this period, the engine power appeared to decrease, and the aircraft''s climb angle diminished. The aircraft subsequently pitched over the left wing and struck the ground, resulting in a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained fatal injuries due to the impact and burns.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's experience. The investigation found that the pilot had recently obtained his license and had approximately 45 hours of total flight time, all of which were performed on a different aircraft model.
Investigators examined the maintenance records of the Flysynthesis Storch 582. While the aircraft was properly registered, the new owner had not received complete maintenance documentation. Specifically, there was no evidence that the aileron hydraulic dampers had been replaced at the required intervals. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight dynamics, noting that the pilot was likely unfamiliar with the specific handling characteristics of the Storch 582, particularly its pendulum elevator.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during the initial climb phase caused by aileron flutter and a subsequent stall.
- The maintenance condition of the aileron hydraulic dampers likely contributed to the onset of the flutter.
- The pilot was overwhelmed by the emergency situation and was unable to recover the aircraft to a normal flight attitude.
- The pilot's lack of experience with this specific aircraft model contributed to the inability to manage the developing aerodynamic instability.