What happened
On July 23, 2004, at approximately 17:07 UTC, a DA 40-180 was conducting an extended type rating training flight near Petersdorf II, Austria. The flight originated from Graz Airport, carrying a pilot and a flight instructor. The purpose of the flight was to complete advanced training maneuvers on this specific aircraft type.
After departing Graz, the aircraft climbed eastward, exiting the Graz control zone at 2,900 feet MSL. The crew continued their climb to a cruising altitude of 3,900 feet MSL. Upon reaching this altitude, the crew began performing stall training exercises. After successfully completing approximately three stall maneuvers, the aircraft entered a spin during the subsequent exercise.
The flight instructor attempted to recover the aircraft from the spin, but the maneuver was unsuccessful. The aircraft's altitude dropped rapidly from 3,000 feet MSL to 1,800 feet MSL in a matter of seconds. The aircraft struck the ground at an elevation of 1,210 feet MSL. The impact resulted in two serious injuries to the crew members. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the training maneuvers and the state of the aircraft at the time of impact. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the cockpit configuration at the wreckage site. It was noted that the throttle was found at the forward stop.
Findings
- The aircraft entered an unrecoverable spin during a stall training maneuver.
- The flight instructor was unable to execute a successful recovery from the spin.
- The aircraft was within its maintenance schedule, having recently undergone a 200-hour inspection.