On December 17, 2002, a Cessna 414 Chancellor (registration D-IAFL) operated by FMU - Flieg mit Uns Luftfahrtunternehmen was involved in an aviation accident near Hahn, Germany during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees on approach after the pilot continued under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Poor flight planning on part of the pilot who failed to take into consideration the poor visibility at destination due to low clouds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During approach to Hahn Airport in marginal weather with 500-foot cloud ceiling, a twin-engine aircraft collided with trees 11 km from runway 03. The aircraft was destroyed and both occupants were killed. Official findings cite continued VFR flight in IMC and poor flight planning.
Accident
A twin-engine aircraft was destroyed after colliding with trees during approach to Hahn Airport. The accident occurred while the pilot was descending to the airport in marginal weather conditions, with limited visibility due to a cloud ceiling down to 500 feet. The aircraft impacted trees approximately 11 kilometers from the threshold of runway 03. Both occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees on approach after the pilot continued operating under visual flight rules (VFR) mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Poor flight planning was cited, as the pilot failed to consider the poor visibility at the destination caused by low clouds. Additionally, insufficient and ambiguous communication between the pilot and air traffic control (ATC) was identified as a contributing factor.
Probable Cause
The pilot continued under VFR mode in IMC conditions, leading to collision with trees. Contributing factors included poor flight planning and insufficient/ambiguous communication with ATC.