What happened
On August 2, 2020, a Pilatus P2-06 was performing visual flight rules (VFR) circuit patterns at Heringsdorf Airport. Shortly after takeoff from Runway 10, the pilot reported via radio that an engine cowling had opened. The pilot expressed the intention to perform a 180-degree turn to land on Runway 28. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state and struck the ground.
Witnesses and radar data confirmed that the aircraft initially flew a right-hand circuit before suddenly entering a steep left-hand turn. The aircraft impacted the ground at a shallow angle, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger was seriously injured.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events following the mechanical issue. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and found that the right engine cowling was indeed unlatched and had opened during the initial climb. No other technical defects or engine failures were identified.
Radar data from the Bundeswehr provided a reconstruction of the flight path, showing the aircraft reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 100 meters AGL before the descent. The investigation also analyzed the aerodynamic forces at play during the turn, noting that the aircraft's configuration—including the extended landing gear and flaps—contributed to high drag and increased stall speeds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during the 180-degree turn.
- The pilot's situational awareness was compromised; the pilot focused on the engine cowling issue and the goal of reaching Runway 28, failing to account for the low altitude, high angle of attack, and the increased stall speed caused by the steep bank.
- The aircraft was likely subject to a stall or a loss of lift due to the high drag from the extended landing gear and flaps, combined with the increased load factor in the turn.
- The pilot ignored a suggestion from the passenger to continue the standard circuit pattern to address the cowling issue later, opting instead for an immediate, high-risk maneuver.