Fatal Stall and Tree Collision During Initial Climb at Blomberg-Borkhausen

Casualties unknown • Blomberg-Borkhausen, DE

A 76-year-old pilot was killed when his Cessna F 150 L entered an uncontrolled descent and struck trees during the early stages of a climb.

What happened

On May 27, 2020, a Cessna F 150 L took off from the Blomberg-Borkhausen airfield in Germany. The pilot, who had noted low cylinder head temperatures during engine checks, intended to perform a local circuit. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft initiated a left turn toward rising, forested terrain.

Flight data from a FLARM device revealed that while the aircraft initially achieved a brief increase in climb rate, its airspeed and climb performance steadily declined. The aircraft entered a high angle of attack and a state of aerodynamic stall, flying "behind the power curve." The aircraft struck the treetops of several beech trees at an altitude of approximately 15 meters before impacting the ground in a nearly vertical descent. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The BFU examined GPS data from an onboard FLARM device and a ground station to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation also included analysis of the aircraft's wreckage, meteorological reports, and witness statements from the airfield. Investigators assessed the aircraft's technical condition, noting that while the pilot had installed an unauthorized smoke system, there were no signs of mechanical failure that contributed to the accident. The investigation also considered the impact of the pilot's recent flight experience and potential age-related physiological changes on decision-making and aircraft control.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft entering an uncontrolled descent and stalling at low altitude over rising terrain.
  • A significant contributing factor was the pilot's decision to initiate a turn into rising, wooded terrain immediately after takeoff.
  • The aircraft was flying in a state of stall due to insufficient airspeed and a high angle of attack, making recovery impossible at such a low altitude.
  • The pilot's recent flight frequency was low, with only two hours of flight time in the preceding 90 days.
  • The pilot failed to use the shoulder harness, which likely increased the severity of the impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent at low altitude while maneuvering into rising, forested terrain, leading to a collision with trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-05-27 Reims Aviation Cessna F 150 L accident near Blomberg-Borkhausen, DE?

A 76-year-old pilot was killed when his Cessna F 150 L entered an uncontrolled descent and struck trees during the early stages of a climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-05-27 involved a Reims Aviation Cessna F 150 L, at Blomberg-Borkhausen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and uncontrolled descent at low altitude while maneuvering into rising, forested terrain, leading to a collision with trees.

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