Fatal Ultralight Crash in Rheinstetten Linked to Possible Canopy Opening

Casualties unknown • Rheinstetten, DE

A Roland Aircraft Z-602 XL crashed into a wooded area near Rheinstetten, resulting in two fatalities and an investigation into the aircraft's canopy security.

What happened

On July 12, 2020, a Roland Aircraft Z-602 XL ultralight aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Rheinstetten, Germany, killing both the pilot and the passenger. The flight originated from Iserlohn-Rheinermark, where the pilot had performed several sightseeing flights earlier that day.

During the return flight, the aircraft was observed performing a normal takeoff and climb. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, a witness observed the pilot performing a series of wing waggles as a greeting. Video evidence subsequently showed the aircraft tilting from this rolling motion into a vertical dive. A witness reported seeing a cloud of debris, described as paper fragments, following the aircraft's descent. The aircraft struck the treetops and impacted the ground nearly vertically, causing the total destruction of the aircraft and significant damage to the forest.

The investigation

The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's condition and the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the engine, propeller, and control surfaces were heavily damaged by the impact.

While searching the area, investigators located an ICAO aeronautical chart approximately 220 meters from the wreckage. However, the other required charts for the flight were not found in the cockpit or the immediate vicinity of the crash. This led investigators to suspect that the cockpit canopy may have opened during the aircraft's maneuvers. Due to the extreme destruction of the cockpit area, it could not be determined if the canopy was improperly locked or if it opened accidentally during flight.

Findings

  • The calculated takeoff mass was 488.5 kg, which exceeded the maximum takeoff mass of 472.5 kg. The center of gravity was noted to be at the rear limit of the permissible range.
  • The aircraft's canopy is a forward-opening design that requires the locking handle to be actively pressed to ensure it is secure.
  • The possible opening of the canopy during flight maneuvers likely disrupted the airflow over the tail unit, leading to a loss of control.
  • The aircraft's emergency parachute system had partially deployed but remained inside its pack sleeve at the time of recovery.

Probable cause

The aircraft likely experienced a loss of control due to the cockpit canopy opening during flight maneuvers, which disrupted aerodynamic stability over the tail unit. This was potentially exacerbated by an overweight takeoff condition.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-07-12 Roland Aircraft Z-602 XL accident near Rheinstetten, DE?

A Roland Aircraft Z-602 XL crashed into a wooded area near Rheinstetten, resulting in two fatalities and an investigation into the aircraft's canopy security.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-07-12 involved a Roland Aircraft Z-602 XL, at Rheinstetten, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft likely experienced a loss of control due to the cockpit canopy opening during flight maneuvers, which disrupted aerodynamic stability over the tail unit. This was potentially exacerbated by an overweight takeoff condition.

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