What happened
On August 29, 2017, at 14:36 UTC, a Diamond DA20-C1 engaged in an emergency landing in the municipality of St. Veit im Pongau, Salzburg. The flight, which was a training mission conducted by a flight school, had departed from Salzburg Airport (LOWS) at 13:45 UTC. After performing several circuit patterns, the aircraft was en route to Zell am See (LOWZ) at a cruising altitude of approximately 5,500 feet.
As the pilot initiated a descent over the St. Johann im Pongau area, the engine power was reduced to approximately 1,50 and the engine subsequently failed. The flight instructor attempted two unsuccessful restart attempts. Due to the lack of a suitable landing site in the immediate vicinity, the instructor redirected the aircraft toward a meadow located south of the Salzach river.
During the approach, the aircraft encountered overhead power lines. To maneuver between the utility poles, the crew had to bank a wing. The aircraft touched down uphill at 14:36 UTC, causing the nose gear to collapse. The aircraft subsequently spun under the power lines before coming to a halt. Both occupants, the flight instructor and the student, were able to exit the aircraft independently and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The SUB examined the aircraft's maintenance records, flight preparation documents, and the physical wreckage. The investigation included a technical examination of the engine and fuel systems, specifically looking at the electric and engine-driven fuel pumps, the ignition switch, and the fuel dipstick. The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's actions, including the student's report regarding the engine failure and the subsequent emergency procedures performed.