What happened
On August 22, 2019, a Cessna FR 172 H was conducting a private VFR flight from St. Johann/Tirol to Salzburg, Austria. The pilot had previously completed two other cross-country flights that day, traveling between Salzburg and Portoroz.
Radar data indicates that at approximately 13:45, the aircraft was positioned north of the Bogenhorn peak at an altitude of 1,278 m AMSL. During this period, the aircraft began a wide right-hand turn while in a climb. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft collided with a rock face on the northeast side of the Bogenhorn (elevation 1,476 m AMSL) at approximately 1,420 m AMSL. The impact caused a post-crash fire and the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined radar records, meteorological data, and the wreckage. Meteorological analysis by the DWD revealed that while the initial flight segments experienced clear conditions, significant cloud layers had developed over the Bavarian Alps. Specifically, a cloud base between 3,300 ft and 5,000 ft AMSL was present in the area of the accident.
Radar tracking showed the aircraft's altitude increasing during its turn, placing it within the cloud layer shortly before impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting a valid PPL(A) and approximately 500 hours of total flight experience. Technical examination of the Cessna FR 172 H found no evidence of mechanical failure or technical malfunction prior to the collision. Toxicology reports showed no substances that would have impaired the pilot's ability, though traces of blood pressure medication were detected.
Findings
- The aircraft entered cloud cover during the flight.
- The decision to execute a climbing turn to return to visual meteorological conditions was made too late.
- The pilot failed to sufficiently account for the terrain structure during the decision-making process.
- There was evidence of mental fixation on the intended flight path, which likely prevented the consideration of alternative routes to Salzburg.