What happened
The incident occurred during a multi-leg flight originating from Essen-Mülheim and destined for Frankfurt, with an intermediate stop at Dortmund. Shortly after departing from Dortmund-Wickede Airport, the aircraft was cruising approximately 40 kilometers south of the city when the pilot encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by foggy conditions.
In response to the deteriorating weather, the pilot elected to lower the altitude and attempt a precautionary landing in an open field. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with a cow on the ground. The impact resulted in a crash that was followed by a post-accident fire which destroyed the airframe.
The accident resulted in three fatalities, comprising the pilot and two passengers. Two additional passengers survived the initial impact and were subsequently rescued by a local farmer. The livestock involved in the collision also perished.