What happened
On December 23, 2020, a private pilot departed from Landshut airport in a Cessna F 172 M with the intention of flying to Kulmbach. The pilot had previously chartered the aircraft for a multi-day period and was attempting to complete the flight before the holiday season closure of certain airfields.
During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather, including moderate rain and decreasing visibility. Radar and FLARM data indicate that after flying northwest, the aircraft attempted to locate the Pegnitz-Zipser Berg airfield but was unable to find it, likely due to low clouds and the onset of twilight. The aircraft then turned toward the A9 motorway, following its path in a descent. At approximately 16:59, the aircraft struck rising terrain near the Kleiner Kulm hill. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's flight path using radar and FLARM data, as the transponder was not activated during the final stages of the flight. Investigators also reviewed meteorological reports from the German Weather Service (DWD), which confirmed that while initial conditions were favorable, moderate precipitation and low cloud ceilings were present in the accident area.
The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience and preparation. The pilot held a valid private pilot license but lacked a night rating and had a medical certificate restricted to daytime VFR flights due to color vision deficiency. The investigation also analyzed the pilot's recent flight history and the sequence of events leading up to the departure from Landshut, noting that the pilot appeared to be under significant time pressure.
Findings
- The pilot flew the aircraft into rising terrain due to marginal weather conditions and the onset of darkness.
- The pilot was experiencing significant psychological pressure, often referred to as "Get-Home-Itis," driven by a desire to reach the destination where a companion was waiting.
- The pilot's decision-making was compromised by the need to complete the flight before sunset and the lack of an alternative landing plan.
- The pilot's limited flight experience and the lack of a night flying rating contributed to the inability to safely navigate the deteriorating conditions.
- The pilot failed to perform an external pre-flight inspection and mismanaged the departure sequence at Landshut due to haste.
- The aircraft was flying in conditions that likely included low cloud ceilings and reduced visibility due to rain.