Accident Overview
On 2 September 2010 at approximately 12:05 UTC, a Tecnam P2006T aircraft crashed in the municipality of 4242 Hirschbach, Upper Austria (coordinates N 48°30'52" O 014°24'06", elevation 682 m). The aircraft was operated by a flight training organization and was conducting a check flight for a commercial pilot license (CPL). The pilot and an examiner were on board. Both sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Flight History
The flight departed Linz Airport at 11:32 UTC under a VFR flight plan. The planned route included waypoints LOWL, KILO, WAXENBERG, WAIZENKIRCHEN, HOFKIRCHEN/TRATTNACH, LAMBACH, OSKAR, and back to LINZ, as per the flight school's CPL examination syllabus (Annex 2 to JAR-FCL 1.170, route suggestion 2). However, during the flight the crew changed the route and proceeded to Freistadt airfield.
Events at Freistadt Airfield
According to eyewitness accounts, around 12:00 UTC the aircraft performed three approaches and overflights on runway 29, including two circuits. The first two passes were reportedly normal. During the third overflight, the aircraft crashed. Witnesses reported that the landing gear appeared not to be extended during any of the overflights, and the passes were conducted at treetop height (about 20-30 m above ground).
One witness, a glider pilot, observed from a terrace about 2.8 km northeast of the airfield. He stated that approximately 100 m before the approach path, the pilot pitched the nose down very steeply—more than 45°—and then pulled up sharply at an altitude of 20-30 m.
Investigation Findings
Extensive post-accident investigations found no evidence of pre-existing technical defects. The aircraft's structure, systems, and engine were examined. No anomalies that could have contributed to the accident were identified. The investigation did not determine a probable cause.
Conclusion
The accident occurred during a low-level overflight at Freistadt airfield, resulting in fatal injuries to both occupants and destruction of the aircraft. No technical malfunctions were found.