What happened
On September 24, 2022, two Zlín Z-526 AFS aircraft were performing a private formation aerobatic training mission near the Gera-Leumnitz airfield in Germany. The formation initially consisted of three aircraft, including a Zlín Z-226, but the Z-226 pilot departed the formation to land after completing their portion of the training.
While the two remaining Zlín Z-526 AFS aircraft were executing a planned aerobatic maneuver—specifically a transition into a mirror flight—the aircraft collided in mid-air. The impact caused the two planes to become interlocked, leading to an immediate loss of forward airspeed and an uncontrollable flight path. The entangled aircraft subsequently struck a field south of the airfield in a nearly vertical descent. Both aircraft were destroyed, and the collision caused damage to the ground.
The investigation
The BFU investigation utilized video footage provided by the police, which captured the accident from multiple perspectives, alongside witness statements and a recovered written aerobatic program. The investigators examined the aircraft for technical failures and reviewed the pilots' licenses, flight experience, and training records.
While the aircraft were found to be airworthy and properly maintained, the investigation noted that both aircraft had defective transponders, which prevented radar from recording their specific altitudes. The investigators also reviewed the flying club's documentation and its public advertisements regarding pilot training services.