Fatal Stall and Spin During Training Flight in Austria

Casualties unknown • in Gitthof-Brackenberg, Gemeinde Waldzell, Oberösterreich, AT

A training flight involving a Cessna 150 E resulted in two fatalities after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled spin at low altitude.

What happened

On February 28, 2010, at approximately 08:15 UTC, a Cessna 150 E was conducting a dual-instruction flight near Gitthof-Brackenberg, Austria. During the execution of flight maneuvers at a low altitude, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a nearly vertical position. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the flight instructor and the student pilot. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.

The investigation

The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) examined the circumstances surrounding the flight maneuvers and the training environment. The investigation focused on the flight path, the aircraft's technical condition, and the training protocols of the flight school. Investigators analyzed the sequence of maneuvers leading to the loss of control and reviewed the instructor's qualifications and the school's procedures regarding off-airport emergency landing training. The investigation also looked into the regulatory requirements for flying below minimum safe altitudes for training purposes.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered an abnormal flight attitude while operating below the prescribed minimum safe altitude.
  • The loss of control was precipitated by the aircraft falling below its minimum flying speed, which led to a stall and subsequent spin.
  • The altitude above the ground was insufficient to allow the crew to recover the aircraft from the spin.
  • The crew lacked the specific training and qualification required for conducting maneuvers that involve descending below minimum altitudes.
  • The investigation identified a lack of standardized training and oversight regarding the selection and approach to off-airport landing sites for emergency practice.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall and spin due to flying below minimum airspeed while operating at an altitude below the required safety minimums, a situation exacerbated by the crew's lack of specific training for low-altitude maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-02-28 Cessna 150 E accident near in Gitthof-Brackenberg, Gemeinde Waldzell, Oberösterreich, AT?

A training flight involving a Cessna 150 E resulted in two fatalities after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled spin at low altitude.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-02-28 involved a Cessna 150 E, at in Gitthof-Brackenberg, Gemeinde Waldzell, Oberösterreich, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft entering a stall and spin due to flying below minimum airspeed while operating at an altitude below the required safety minimums, a situation exacerbated by the crew's lack of specific training for low-altitude maneuvers.

Loading the flight search…