What happened
On October 22, 2012, near the area between Dronten and Lelystad, a mid-air collision occurred between two light aircraft operating in formation for the purpose of capturing aerial photography and video. The aircraft involved were a General Avia F22-B (registration D-EDMJ) and a Diamond DA-40D TDI (registration PH-TDE).
The flight was organized by an aviation company to film the F22-B performing maneuvers from the perspective of the DA-4/0D. During the operation, the F22-B performed an aerobatic maneuver that resulted in a collision with the DA-40D. The impact rendered the Diamond DA-40D TDI uncontrollable, causing it to crash; both occupants of the aircraft were killed. The F22-B sustained severe damage and also crashed, leaving its two occupants with serious injuries.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) examined the flight preparations, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed flight footage and analyzed the flight paths of both aircraft.
Investigators looked into whether technical failures, such as engine power loss, contributed to the collision. While the possibility of a loss of engine power during an inverted maneuver was considered, the investigation could not confirm a mechanical failure. The board also examined the pre-flight briefing, noting that while a briefing took place, the specific aerobatic maneuver that led to the collision had not been explicitly detailed in the initial planning for the formation flight.
Findings
- The aerobatic maneuver performed by the General Avia F22-B was not included in the pre-flight briefing, introducing higher risks than the originally planned flight profile.
- Sun position and visibility issues may have contributed to the accident, as the pilot of the F22-B may have experienced reduced visibility of the DA-40D due to the sun's glare or the physical obstruction caused by the second pilot in the cockpit.
- A loss of engine power during an inverted maneuver cannot be entirely ruled out, which might have altered the flight path of the F22-B unexpectedly.
- The primary cause of the collision appears to be an error in judgment or control during the execution of the unbriefed maneuver.