Aircraft ditching in Elbe River following instrument failure

No fatalities • Hamburg-Finkenwerder, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

A pilot was forced to ditch an aircraft in the Elbe River after experiencing a total loss of navigational instruments and landing gear malfunctions during departure from Hamburg.

What happened

Following departure from Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel Airport, the pilot reported a complete failure of all navigational instruments to air traffic control. In response to this emergency, the aircraft was authorized to divert to Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport.

During the final approach to the diversion airfield, the crew encountered significant difficulties attempting to extend the landing gear. Due to these complications, the decision was made to perform an emergency ditching in the Elbe River. Upon impact, the aircraft type (unspecified) landed upside down in approximately 0.8 meters of water. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

  • The pilot experienced a total loss of all navigational instrumentation immediately after takeoff.
  • Mechanical issues prevented the successful deployment of the landing gear during the approach.
  • The pilot survived the incident with minor injuries.

Probable cause

The loss of all navigational instruments and subsequent inability to deploy landing gear led to an emergency ditching in the Elbe River.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-04-28 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Hamburg-Finkenwerder, Germany?

A pilot was forced to ditch an aircraft in the Elbe River after experiencing a total loss of navigational instruments and landing gear malfunctions during departure from Hamburg.

Were there any fatalities in the 2009-04-28 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-04-28 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration D-IKST, operated by Flugschule Gregor Stahnke, at Hamburg-Finkenwerder, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of all navigational instruments and subsequent inability to deploy landing gear led to an emergency ditching in the Elbe River.

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