1 fatality

2009-01-19: Piper PA-42 Cheyenne (D-IDIA) — Heli-Flight — Königstein im Taunus, Germany

Königstein im Taunus, GermanyTakeoff (climb)

On January 19, 2009, a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne (registration D-IDIA) operated by Heli-Flight was involved in an aviation accident near Königstein im Taunus, Germany during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees during a descent while flying in rainy weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781196932Data APIEditorial standards

A positioning flight from Frankfurt departed for Reichelsheim before crashing in a wooded area during heavy rain.

What happened

During a repositioning flight scheduled from Frankfurt-Main Airport to its home base in Reichelsheim, a twin engine aircraft departed from runway 25L at 12:35 local time. The pilot, who was the only person on board, received instructions to execute a left turn while climbing to an altitude of 1,500 feet.

As the flight progressed, the aircraft reached an altitude of 1,800 feet before descending back down to 1,400 feet. While operating in rainy conditions, the plane collided with trees and came to rest in a forested region situated in Königstein im Taunus, approximately 15 kilometers north of Frankfurt Airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the primary factor was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees during a descent while flying in rainy weather conditions.