What happened
On April 2, 2007, a Scheibe SF25 C Falke motorglider, registration D-KDBV, departed from Grefrath airfield in Germany for what was intended to be a local flight. The aircraft was carrying a single pilot and was fueled with 50 liters of fuel. Approximately one hour after takeoff, the pilot contacted the Grefrath airport authority to request a heading back to the airfield. Following this communication, the pilot ceased all radio contact.
Between 18:10 and 18:3 and minutes, residents in Roermond, Netherlands, observed the aircraft performing erratic maneuvers over the city. Witnesses described the aircraft executing steep climbs, descents, and potentially loops, with the engine noise fluctuating significantly. The aircraft was eventually seen descending at a high rate of speed during a turn, striking a tree before crashing into an undeveloped area within a residential neighborhood. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board examined the wreckage and analyzed witness statements and video footage. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and had undergone its annual inspection recently. There was no evidence of mechanical failure; the engine had sufficient fuel for the flight, and the controls appeared to have functioned normally prior to the destruction of the airframe.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's medical history and flight experience. The pilot had approximately 350 hours of flight time. While the pilot had not filed an international flight plan, the investigation noted that the pilot likely became lost, as evidenced by his request for a heading back to Grefrath. Analysis of the flight path and engine noise variations suggested the aircraft was performing uncontrolled maneuvers rather than intentional aerobatics.
Findings
- The pilot was likely unaware of his exact position, having inadvertently flown into Dutch airspace.
- The aircraft was performing uncontrolled, steep maneuvers over a populated area.
- A cardiac abnormality was identified in the pilot, which presented a significant risk of loss of consciousness or physical impairment, especially under stress.
- The investigation concluded that the pilot was still alive at the moment of impact.