Accident Overview
A twin-engine aircraft operating a charter flight from Nordhorn to Hassfurt, Bavaria, struck a hill in Bischofsheim during its descent to Hassfurt-Schweinfurt Airport. The aircraft was carrying six passengers and one pilot. After passing the local VOR, the pilot initiated the descent. In foggy conditions with poor visibility, the aircraft impacted a hill located approximately 53 km northwest of the destination airport. The accident resulted in six fatalities and one serious injury among the occupants.
Circumstances of the Flight
The charter flight departed from Nordhorn and was bound for Hassfurt in Bavaria. After the aircraft passed the VOR navigation beacon, the pilot started the descent toward the airport. The weather at the time included fog, which reduced visibility. The aircraft then struck a hill in Bischofsheim. The collision destroyed the aircraft, killing six of the seven occupants and seriously injuring one passenger.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation into the accident reported that the pilot began the approach prematurely. This action caused the aircraft to descend below the minimum safe altitude required for the route. At the time of the accident, visibility was poor due to foggy conditions. The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, is that the pilot initiated the approach prematurely, resulting in a descent below the minimum safe altitude in poor visibility.