1 fatality

2001-05-05: Piper PA-42 Cheyenne (D-IMAY) — Max Schaldach — Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, GermanyTakeoff (climb)

On May 5, 2001, a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne (registration D-IMAY) operated by Max Schaldach was involved in an aviation accident near Nuremberg, Germany during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft, the instruments and the engines. The aircraft' speed increased to 280 knots during the dive. The assumption that the pilot suffered a heart attack was not ruled out. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781202710Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight from Nuremberg to Zurich stalled while climbing, regained altitude briefly, then lost control and dove into a wooded area. The pilot was killed and the aircraft destroyed. Investigators found no technical anomalies; pilot incapacitation was considered.

Accident Overview

On a private flight from Nuremberg Airport to Zurich, a twin-engine aircraft departed runway 10 at 1628 local time. During initial climb, the pilot was cleared to climb to 13,000 feet at his discretion. At approximately 4,500 feet, the aircraft stalled but then climbed again to 4,700 feet. Shortly thereafter, control was lost and the aircraft entered a dive, crashing in a wooded area along motorway A3. The accident occurred three minutes after takeoff, about 3.5 kilometers east of the airport.

Damage and Fatalities

The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather conditions were good with visibility of 10 kilometers and wind from 010 degrees at 10 knots.

Investigation Findings

No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft, its instruments, or its engines. During the dive, the aircraft's speed increased to 280 knots. The assumption that the pilot suffered a heart attack was not ruled out.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause states: "No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft, the instruments and the engines. The aircraft' speed increased to 280 knots during the dive. The assumption that the pilot suffered a heart attack was not ruled out."