What happened
On September 10, 2022, a pilot departed from Ampfing airfield, heading toward Gössenheim for a fly-in event. The flight began under favorable conditions, with the pilot climbing to approximately 2,700 ft AMSL. During the flight, the Flight Information Service (FIS) advised the pilot of approaching moderate to heavy rainfall and convective activity near Dinkelsbühl and Nuremberg, recommending a westward detour to avoid the weather.
While the pilot initially agreed to fly west, the flight path later changed back toward a more northerly heading. At approximately 12:37 UTC, while flying at an altitude of about 8,530 ft AMSL, the aircraft entered a series of tight climbing turns followed by a steep descent. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing an explosion, after which aircraft components and the fuselage—attached to a parachute—were seen falling from the clouds. The fuselage struck the ground near the Thalmässing-Waizenhofen airfield with extreme velocity, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined radar data, GPS logs from a Charterware logger, and meteorological reports from the German Meteorological Service (DWD). Investigators analyzed the wreckage distribution, which spanned approximately 1,500 meters, and inspected the aircraft's ballistic recovery system. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's pre-flight weather briefings, which had been accessed several hours before departure.
Findings
- The aircraft, a Tecnam P 92 Echo, encountered highly critical meteorological conditions, including heavy precipitation, moderate to strong turbulence, and likely icing due to temperatures near freezing.
- The pilot's decision to return to a northerly course placed the aircraft directly into an area of intense convective activity.
- The aircraft broke apart in mid-air due to the structural loads encountered during the flight.
- Although the ballistic parachute deployed, it sustained significant damage from flying debris and wreckage fragments, which prevented it from adequately slowing the descent of the fuselage.