What happened
A skydiving operation departed from Borkum Airport at 12:54 local time. The flight, operated by a single-engine aircraft, carried one pilot and 12 skydivers. Approximately eleven minutes after takeoff, at 13:05 local time, the 12 passengers exited the aircraft while it was at an altitude of 14,000 feet over Norderney Island.
Following the jump, the pilot began a descent characterized by a constant speed of 160 knots and a descent rate of 4,000 feet per minute. During the approach to runway 26, the aircraft was observed at a very low altitude of 232 feet over the sea, traveling at 150 knots. While on final approach, the aircraft struck the water in the Waddenzee, crashing approximately 2,300 meters southeast of the runway 26 threshold. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
Findings
Investigation into the wreckage revealed that the aircraft was not outfitted with a Flight Data Recorder or a Cockpit Voice Recorder; however, this was compliant with the regulations applicable to this specific aircraft type and flight operation at the time. Additionally, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) failed to trigger following the impact with the water, though the reason for this failure remains undetermined.