What happened
On June 15, 2017, at approximately 16:37 UTC, a DG600/18M motor glider crashed in the vicinity of Lunz am See, Lower Austria. The flight originated from Völtendorf airfield as a sightseeing tour, traveling toward Grimming. During the return leg of the roughly five-hour flight, the aircraft entered a steep dive near the Lechnergraben area. An eyewitness reported that the aircraft performed a complete roll around its longitudinal axis prior to impact. The aircraft struck a mountain plateau near Karlhöhe at an altitude of approximately 1,470 m MSL. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) reconstructed the flight path using FLARM data, eyewitness accounts, and local police findings. The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness, maintenance records, and the pilot's qualifications. Meteorological data from nearby stations indicated favorable visual flight rules (VFR) conditions at the time of the accident, with good visibility and light winds. The investigation also included a forensic medical examination of the pilot to determine if any physiological factors contributed to the loss of control.
Findings
- The aircraft was fully airworthy, and all required maintenance had been performed according to regulations.
- The pilot was highly experienced, with approximately 745 flight hours, including over 219 hours on the DG600/18M.
- There were no evidence of mechanical failure or technical malfunctions that could have caused the accident.
- Weather conditions were not a contributing factor.
- Medical findings revealed that the pilot suffered from acute perfusion disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias. These conditions likely caused impaired consciousness, leading to the pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft.