What happened
On September 2, 2010, a Tecnam P2006T departed from Linz Airport for a scheduled commercial pilot license (CPL) examination flight. While the original flight plan directed the crew toward a specific route through various Austrian locations, the flight path was altered during the mission to include the Freistadt airfield.
Witnesses observed the aircraft performing several low-level passes over runway 29. After two successful passes, the aircraft performed a third pass at an extremely low altitude, near the height of the surrounding treetops. During this final phase, the aircraft appeared to be performing a simulated engine failure, with one engine at idle power while the other was at full power. Eyewitnesses noted the aircraft began to wobble and eventually rolled sharply to the left, striking an embankment in an inverted position. The impact resulted in a fire, and both the pilot and the examiner sustained two fatalities. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The SUB investigation reconstructed the flight sequence using witness testimonies and available radar data. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical condition and found no evidence of pre-existing mechanical defects. The aircraft was properly registered, insured, and maintained, with weight and balance within limits.
While radar data was unavailable for the final moments due to the low altitude of the maneuvers, investigators were able to analyze the flight behavior through multiple eyewitness accounts. The investigation also looked into the flight's deviation from the original flight plan and the specific maneuvers performed during the check flight.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at an extremely low altitude over the ground.
- The crew was performing a simulated engine failure at low altitude.
- The aircraft's airspeed dropped below the minimum required speed during the maneuver.
- The aircraft's landing gear was not in the extended and locked position, which likely increased aerodynamic drag.
- The sudden roll and subsequent impact were triggered by the loss of airspeed and the asymmetrical power settings during the simulation.