1 fatality

2006-11-29: Grob G180 SPn (D-CGSP) — Grob Aerospace — Mindelheim-Mattsies, Germany

Mindelheim-Mattsies, GermanyTakeoff (climb)

On November 29, 2006, a Grob G180 SPn (registration D-CGSP) operated by Grob Aerospace was involved in an aviation accident near Mindelheim-Mattsies, Germany during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of an in-flight failure and subsequent separation of the elevator, causing the aircraft to be uncontrollable. The exact cause of this failure could not be determined with certainty due to lack of flight data. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781198456Data APIEditorial standards

During a demonstration flight at Mindelheim-Mattsies Airport, the second prototype aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed 7 km away, killing the pilot. Investigation attributed the accident to an elevator failure.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, a demonstration flight of the second prototype aircraft was being conducted at Mindelheim-Mattsies Airport. The sole occupant, French pilot Gérard Guillaumaud, who also served as Chief Pilot for Grob Aerospace, was performing the flight for a group of invited guests on the ground.

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot completed a circuit and was entering the approach pattern when the aircraft suddenly entered an uncontrolled descent. It crashed in an open field approximately 7 kilometers from the airport. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, and the pilot was killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of an in-flight failure and subsequent separation of the elevator, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. However, the exact cause of the elevator failure could not be determined with certainty due to a lack of flight data.

Probable cause

The accident was the consequence of an in-flight failure and subsequent separation of the elevator, causing the aircraft to be uncontrollable. The exact cause of this failure could not be determined with certainty due to lack of flight data.