Aircraft stall and impact during approach at Augsburg Airport

No fatalities • Augsburg, Germany • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed during its final approach to Augsburg Airport after the pilot attempted a landing in visibility conditions below established minimums.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from Mönchengladbach, bound for Augsburg, with a crew of one pilot and four passengers on board. During the descent toward Augsburg Airport, air traffic control notified the pilot that weather conditions at the destination had deteriorated, with visibility estimated between 225 and 250 meters, which was below the required minimums for landing. The pilot acknowledged this information but communicated an intention to attempt the approach, noting a plan to divert to Oberpfaffenhofen if the situation required it.

As the aircraft reached the short final phase of the approach at approximately 200 feet, the pilot sighted the runway lights and elected to proceed with the landing. After the aircraft crossed the runway threshold, the pilot reduced engine power. This reduction in power caused the aircraft to enter a stall, leading to an impact with the runway surface. The force of the collision caused the undercarriage to detach, and the aircraft slid for 104 meters before a post-crash fire broke out. The twin-engine aircraft sustained partial destruction due to the flames. Among the five people on board, four passengers and the pilot sustained serious injuries, while one other occupant suffered minor injuries.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a landing in visibility below minimums and induced an aerodynamic stall by reducing engine power during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-12-08 Cessna 340 accident near Augsburg, Germany?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed during its final approach to Augsburg Airport after the pilot attempted a landing in visibility conditions below established minimums.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-12-08 Cessna 340 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-12-08 involved a Cessna 340, registration D-IBEL, operated by Private Germany, at Augsburg, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a landing in visibility below minimums and induced an aerodynamic stall by reducing engine power during the final approach.

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