What happened
On June 5, 2022, at approximately 13:51 UTC, a Piper PA18 was performing its first flight of the day at the Spitzerberg aerodrome in Hundsheim, Austria. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, intended to conduct local circuit training.
After completing the necessary pre-flight inspections and receiving departure information from the airfield manager, the pilot taxied to the holding point of runway 15. Upon takeoff and subsequent transition into a climb, the aircraft experienced a sudden roll to the left. At an altitude of approximately 40 meters above the ground, the aircraft lost control and struck the terrain nose-first. The impact occurred roughly 20 meters southeast of the runway end. The aircraft came to rest at a steep angle of 70 to 80 degrees, embedded in the earth.
The pilot sustained serious injuries and required extraction by fire services. The passenger sustained minor injuries and was assisted from the wreckage by bystanders. Both occupants were transported to a hospital via rescue helicopter.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) reconstructed the sequence of events using eyewitness accounts, statements from the occupants, and findings from the local police. The investigation examined the aircraft's condition, the flight preparation, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident.