What happened
On March 31, 2022, a pilot was conducting practice circuits at Oehna Airfield under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The flight, involving a two-seat Impulse 180TD homebuilt aircraft, was intended to be followed by a flight to Strausberg. After departing from runway 08, the pilot entered the circuit, maintaining an altitude of approximately 1,400 ft AMSL during the right-hand base leg.
As the aircraft transitioned into the final approach, witnesses observed a significant increase in the sink rate at an altitude of roughly 40 ft AGL. The aircraft subsequently entered a left-wing bank and struck a field located before the runway threshold. The impact occurred approximately 365 meters short of the runway. The pilot sustained one serious injury and was rescued from the wreckage.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and analyzed flight data recovered from a GPS-based FLARM device and an iPad running SkyMap software. The investigation included an inspection of the aircraft's mechanical systems, the engine, and the flight control surfaces. Investigators also reviewed meteorological data and witness statements regarding the airfield environment.
Physical examination of the Impulse 180TD revealed that the landing gear had broken away, with the right portion of the gear striking and tearing the left horizontal stabilizer from the fuselage. The investigation also noted that the landing gear's trim servo was set to a tail-heavy position. The engine was found to be functional, though an oil leak was noted at the crash site, and the landing flaps were found to be fully extended to 30 degrees.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at speeds between 52 and 59 knots GS during the final approach.
- The aircraft's flight path was subject to turbulence and disturbances caused by a tree line located near the approach path for runway 08.
- The pilot was flying at a low altitude when the sink rate increased significantly.
- The aircraft's landing flaps were fully extended at the time of impact.