Two fatalities in ultralight aircraft accident at Strausberg Airfield

Casualties unknown • Flugplatz Strausberg, DE

A two-seat ultralight aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude during initial climb, resulting in a fatal crash and subsequent fire at Strausberg Airfield.

What happened

On January 16, 2020, a D4 BK Fascination ultralight aircraft departed from Strausberg Airfield for a flight with two occupants. The aircraft, which had arrived from Grefrath earlier that day, took off from runway 23 at approximately 12:55 local time.

During the initial climb, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude. Witnesses reported that after transitioning into a steep climb at an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the aircraft tilted via the left wing. The aircraft then entered a spin-like motion and struck the ground approximately 30 meters south of the paved runway. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the flight conditions, and the aircraft's history. The investigation noted that the aircraft had recently returned to the German registry after being operated under French registration. The aircraft was a composite-construction, two-seat ultralight powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine.

Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and modification history, noting that the aircraft had been sold in July 2019. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that while the official weight records from the previous annual inspection indicated a specific payload, police estimates suggested the combined weight of the occupants was approximately 180 kg, which, combined with estimated fuel and baggage, was near the aircraft's limits.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state during the climb phase.
  • The aircraft was equipped with an installed autopilot, despite regulations for this type of ultralight stating that such equipment is not permitted.
  • The aircraft's flight manual specifies that at low speeds, the ailerons lose effectiveness and the aircraft may pitch forward; it also notes that a stall can lead to a spin.
  • The aircraft's exterior paint did not comply with the manufacturer's specification, which requires a white finish.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude and spin during the initial climb, likely due to an aerodynamic stall or loss of control at low altitude, while operating with an unapproved autopilot installation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-01-16 W. D. Flugzeug Leichtbau GmbH D4 BK Fascination accident near Flugplatz Strausberg, DE?

A two-seat ultralight aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude during initial climb, resulting in a fatal crash and subsequent fire at Strausberg Airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-01-16 involved a W. D. Flugzeug Leichtbau GmbH D4 BK Fascination, at Flugplatz Strausberg, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude and spin during the initial climb, likely due to an aerodynamic stall or loss of control at low altitude, while operating with an unapproved autopilot installation.

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