What happened
On April 18, 2021, a private flight conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) ended in a fatal accident near Schepsdorft, Germany. The aircraft, an amateur-built GlaStar GS-1, departed from the Nordhorn-Lingen airfield at approximately 11:40 local time.
Radar data tracked the aircraft flying north, then east, before turning west. At approximately 11:53, the pilot performed a right-hand turn around his residence. The flight path continued south over Wilsum and then northeast. At approximately 12:06, the aircraft turned southeast. The final radar contact occurred at 12:08:12 at an altitude of 278 m AMSL, traveling at a ground speed of 131 kt. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude over the "Lohner Sand" woodland area shortly before hearing an impact.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the wreckage, which was located in a wooded area. Due to the presence of unexploded munitions at the site, the recovery of the wreckage required assistance from the German military and technical relief services.
Physical evidence at the crash site showed the aircraft had struck coniferous trees approximately 10 meters before the final resting position. The wreckage was severely destroyed; the fuselage was broken in multiple places and embedded vertically in the ground, while the engine had penetrated deep into the earth. An investigation of the control surfaces, including the ailerons, rudder, and elevators, showed they were intact and properly connected to their respective linkages, though the cables had been severed during recovery. A forensic examination of a GoPro SD card found at the scene was unsuccessful due to the high level of damage.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid PPL(A) license and a Class 2/LAPL medical certificate.
- The aircraft was airworthy, with a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) and no evidence of pre-existing technical defects.
- Weather conditions were CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) at the time of the accident.
- The investigation ruled out engine failure as a cause, as damage to the propeller and trees indicated the engine was producing power at the time of impact.
- The investigation ruled out a loss of control due to stalling or underspeed, as the wreckage pattern indicated a high-speed impact with a significant descent angle.
- Because the body was released early by the public prosecutor, a detailed medical examination to rule out pilot incapacitation could not be performed; therefore, a medical cause cannot be entirely excluded.
Ultimately, the investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined.