Two fatalities in ultralight stall during simulated emergency landing

Casualties unknown • Gelnhausen, DE

A Comco Ikarus C 42 B crashed into a wooded embankment near Gelnhausen during a simulated engine failure maneuver, resulting in two deaths.

What happened

On June 8, 2021, a Comco Ikarus C 42 B ultralight aircraft was performing a series of training maneuvers at the Gelnhausen airfield. The flight, which included a flight instructor and a student pilot, was intended to follow a standard program that included a simulated engine failure during a right-hand crosswind departure.

During the maneuver, witnesses observed the engine RPM decreasing and the aircraft entering a sudden left turn. The aircraft then stalled over its left wing and entered a nearly vertical descent. The aircraft struck a wooded embankment near the L3202 road, causing the destruction of the aircraft and the fatalities of both occupants.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the aircraft's flight data, including GPS and radar points, which confirmed a significant reduction in airspeed during the maneuver. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, finding no technical defects in the controls or engine. However, the aircraft was found to be approximately 20 kg overweight, with a takeoff mass of 492.6 kg against a maximum takeoff mass of 472.5 kg.

Investigators also analyzed the engine and propeller, noting that the engine was running at low power at the time of impact. The investigation looked into the flight training context, noting that the student pilot had relatively low experience on this specific aircraft type, while the instructor was highly experienced.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was that the minimum flight speed was undershot during a simulated emergency landing maneuver at a low altitude, leading to an unexpected stall.
  • The aircraft was operating in an overloaded state, exceeding its maximum takeoff mass.
  • The student pilot was likely caught by surprise by the rapid loss of airspeed and failed to apply sufficient back pressure on the control stick to prevent the stall.
  • The flight instructor may have been insufficiently focused on the immediate flight parameters due to a high level of trust in the student's abilities.
  • The low altitude of the maneuver left insufficient time for the crew to recognize the emergency and deploy the aircraft's emergency parachute system.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an unexpected stall resulting from the aircraft's airspeed dropping below the minimum required speed during a simulated engine failure maneuver performed at a low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-06-08 Comco Ikarus C 42 B accident near Gelnhausen, DE?

A Comco Ikarus C 42 B crashed into a wooded embankment near Gelnhausen during a simulated engine failure maneuver, resulting in two deaths.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-06-08 involved a Comco Ikarus C 42 B, at Gelnhausen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an unexpected stall resulting from the aircraft's airspeed dropping below the minimum required speed during a simulated engine failure maneuver performed at a low altitude.

Loading the flight search…