What happened
On October 8, 2002, at approximately 09:38 UTC, a Skystar Pulsar XP motor aircraft was involved in a fatal accident near Gaaden, Lower Austria. The aircraft, which was being operated privately, departed from Bad Vöslau airfield at approximately 09:25 UTC, bound for Ried-Kirchheim im Innviertel.
During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft was observed flying at a very low altitude over Gaaden. An eyewitness reported that the aircraft approached from the east and was in a stalling descent. Although the pilot managed to briefly regain some altitude, the aircraft subsequently lost lift again and crashed into a meadow located between Gaaden and Sittendorf. The impact caused extensive damage, stretching from the engine through the cockpit to the wings.
The investigation
The investigation was reconstructed using witness statements and findings from the Gendarmerie post in Gaaden and investigators from the Federal Safety Investigation Office (SUB). The investigation focused on the flight path and the sequence of events leading to the loss of control.
Findings
- The pilot, aged 71, sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
- The aircraft, a Skystar Pulsar XP, was a total loss.
- The primary factor in the accident was the aircraft losing altitude while stalling during the cruise phase of the flight.