No fatalities

2015-12-08: Cessna 340 (D-IBEL) — Private Germany — Augsburg, Germany

Augsburg, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On December 8, 2015, a Cessna 340 (registration D-IBEL) operated by Private Germany was involved in an aviation accident near Augsburg, Germany during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident is the consequence of the pilot's decision to continue the approach and not to initiate a go-around procedure, which resulted in the aircraft entering an attitude he was unable to control. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781192628Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft carrying five people crashed on landing at Augsburg Airport after the pilot continued an approach in visibility below minimums, resulting in a stall and post-crash fire with multiple injuries.

Flight

The aircraft departed Mönchengladbach for Augsburg Airport with four passengers and one pilot on board. During the descent, air traffic control informed the pilot that the weather conditions at the destination were worse than predicted, with visibility estimated between 225 and 250 metres, which was below the minimum required for the approach. The pilot acknowledged this information and stated his intention to attempt an approach, adding that he would divert to Oberpfaffenhofen if necessary.

Accident

On short final, at a height of 200 feet, the pilot established visual contact with the runway lights and decided to continue the approach. After passing over the runway threshold, he reduced engine power. The aircraft then entered a stall and impacted the runway surface. On impact, the undercarriage were torn off. The aircraft slid for 104 metres before coming to rest and bursting into flames.

Injuries and Damage

Four occupants suffered serious injuries, and the fifth occupant sustained slight injuries. The aircraft was partially destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Probable Cause

The accident is the consequence of the pilot's decision to continue the approach and not to initiate a go-around procedure, which resulted in the aircraft entering an attitude he was unable to control. Poor approach planning on part of the pilot and poor decision making during the approach contributed to the accident, as well as the fact that the runway visual range (RVR) was 250 metres, which was below minimums.