What happened
On August 4, 2024, a student pilot was conducting a solo VFR flight from the "Große Höhe" glider airfield near Delmenhorst to Porta Westfalica. While on final approach to runway 23 at the Porta Westfalica airfield, the HK 36 R Super Dimona struck the ground from an altitude of approximately 10 meters. The impact occurred in a cornfield roughly 328 meters before the runway threshold.
The pilot reported that the flight had proceeded normally until the final approach, at which point a sudden loss of altitude was noticed. The pilot attempted to compensate by increasing engine power, but the aircraft struck the field. The accident resulted in one pilot seriously injured and caused heavy damage to the aircraft, as well as damage to the ground.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the aircraft's condition and the flight sequence. Investigators examined the wreckage, which showed a compact distribution of parts. The initial ground contact was made by the propeller and the right main landing gear. The impact caused the landing gear strut to tear from the fuselage, the engine mount to bend, and the firewall to break.
Technical inspections of the flight controls revealed that the elevator control rod had sheared under the seats, though the ailerons and rudder remained movable. The investigators also examined the configuration of the flaps and the fuel system. While the pilot could not confirm if the flaps were locked, investigators found the flaps in the retracted position with the lever in the unlocked position. Data from the onboard PowerFLARM C11 unit was also analyzed to reconstruct the final approach.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude during the final approach.
- The flaps were found in a retracted but unverified/unlocked state.
- The engine and propeller sustained significant damage due to the impact, with propeller blades breaking upon contact with the ground.