On February 5, 1993, a Piper PA-31 Cheyenne (registration D-IDDI) operated by Schäfer & Seidler was involved in an aviation accident near Cologne-Bonn, Germany during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot lost control of the aircraft while performing a turn during an emergency return to the airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A solo pilot was killed when their aircraft lost control and crashed into a residence shortly after departing Cologne-Bonn Airport.
What happened
On the day of the accident, an aircraft departed from Cologne-Bonn Airport. During the initial climb phase of the flight, the pilot notified air traffic control of an emergency situation and received authorization to perform a return to the airfield.
While the pilot was executing a turn during this return maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The plane entered a steep dive and subsequently struck a residential building in the town of Lind, situated less than 2 km south of the airport perimeter. The pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft, died in the impact. No injuries or fatalities were reported among the residents or persons on the ground at the time of the crash.
Findings
The aircraft entered a dive during a turning maneuver.
The accident occurred during the initial climb and return phase of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot lost control of the aircraft while performing a turn during an emergency return to the airport.