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Aircraft Strikes Trees on Approach Near Dossenheim, Pilot Seriously Injured (N9645C)

Dossenheim, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On October 20, 2000, a Cessna 303 Crusader (registration N9645C) operated by Aircraft Guaranty Owner Trustee (AG Corp) was involved in an aviation accident near Dossenheim, Germany during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The decision of the pilot to continue the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Limited visibility caused by low clouds was a contributing factor. At the time of the accident, the hilly terrain was shrouded in clouds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in wooded terrain near Dossenheim after the pilot canceled IFR and descended under VFR into clouds, striking tree tops. The pilot was seriously injured and later died.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft departed Regensburg-Oberhub Airport in the morning on a flight to Mannheim City. About 15 minutes prior to arrival, the pilot canceled the IFR flight plan and began a descent under visual flight rules (VFR).

Flight Details

During the approach, at an altitude of 1,700 feet and a speed of 110 knots, the aircraft struck tree tops and crashed in a wooded and hilly area east of Dossenheim, approximately 15 km southeast of Mannheim Airport. The impact and a subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft.

Impact and Aftermath

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries and died from those injuries two weeks after the accident.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue the approach under VFR in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Contributing factors included limited visibility due to low clouds; at the time of the accident, the hilly terrain was shrouded in clouds. For unknown reasons, the approach speed was relatively low at 110 knots.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 2000 Cessna 303 Crusader accident near Dossenheim, Germany?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in wooded terrain near Dossenheim after the pilot canceled IFR and descended under VFR into clouds, striking tree tops. The pilot was seriously injured and later died.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Oct 2000 Cessna 303 Crusader accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 2000 involved a Cessna 303 Crusader, registration N9645C, operated by Aircraft Guaranty Owner Trustee (AG Corp), at Dossenheim, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The decision of the pilot to continue the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Limited visibility caused by low clouds was a contributing factor. At the time of the accident, the hilly terrain was shrouded in clouds. For unknown reasons, the approach speed was relatively low (110 knots).

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