What happened
On August 16, 2020, a Siren ultralight aircraft crashed at the Porta Westfalica airfield in Germany. The aircraft had been flown from Italy to the airfield the previous day by the pilot and a manufacturer's test pilot. Following several successful flights earlier in the day, the pilot intended to perform additional circuit patterns.
During the second takeoff attempt on runway 23, witnesses observed the aircraft bouncing twice upon landing. After the subsequent liftoff, the aircraft climbed at a steep angle. At an altitude of approximately 50 to 80 meters, the aircraft rolled over onto its left wing and struck a cornfield. The impact resulted in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft, which subsequently caught fire.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's flight history, the pilot's experience, and the technical specifications of the Siren. The pilot had significant experience flying the C42 model but had recently undergone a five-day transition course in Italy for this specific type. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's emergency equipment, specifically the GRS 6/600 SD ballistic parachute system, and the manufacturer's operating instructions regarding spin recovery.
Investigators found that the aircraft's impact was nearly vertical. While the aircraft was equipped with a ballistic parachute, the system was not deployed during the accident. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was in the process of certification for a higher maximum takeoff mass of 600 kg.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced an unstable landing characterized by multiple bounces on the runway.
- The aircraft entered a critical flight condition at a low altitude, leading to a wing drop and subsequent impact.
- The pilot's flight experience was primarily centered on a different aircraft type (C42), and while a transition course had been completed, the pilot was still in the process of becoming familiar with the Siren.
- The altitude at which the roll occurred (50–80m) was within the range where recovery from such maneuvers is difficult, and the parachute system was not activated.