What happened
On November 7, 2021, an Evektor-Aerotechnik EV 97 Eurostar 2000 R ultralight aircraft was conducting a VFR flight from Münsingen-Eisberg toward Pohlheim. The pilot had previously traveled to the area for scheduled appointments and intended to return to Pohlheim that day. Despite warnings from a witness regarding deteriorating weather conditions and a message from another pilot suggesting unfavorable flying weather, the pilot proceeded with the flight.
Radar tracking showed the aircraft flying between 3,000 and 3,500 ft AMSL, navigating through the Stuttgart control zone. During the flight, the aircraft entered a steady descent. At approximately 13:02 UTC, the aircraft's transponder signal was lost. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing loud bangs and seeing smoke trailing from the aircraft, followed by the left wing breaking away and tumbling toward the ground. The aircraft subsequently impacted a meadow near Ehrstädt, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined radar data, flight tracking information, and witness testimonies. Meteorological analysis by the DWD (German Meteorological Service) was conducted to reconstruct the weather conditions along the flight path. The investigation also included a technical examination of the wreckage and a fracture surface analysis of the left wing spar conducted at the Technical University of Braunschweig.
Investigators found that the aircraft was equipped with a rocket-based recovery system, which had not been activated. The examination of the wing spar revealed a ductile fracture pattern, which is a characteristic indicator of a force-induced structural failure.