Single-engine aircraft accident near Königstein im Taunus

1 fatality • Königstein im Taunus, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

A positioning flight from Frankfurt-Main Airport ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area near Königstein im Taunus during rainy conditions.

What happened

On the day of the accident, a solo pilot was conducting a positioning flight intended to move an aircraft from Frankfurt-Main Airport to its home base in Reichelshemen. The flight departed from runway 25L at Frankfurt-Main Airport at 12:35 local time. Following departure, air traffic control provided instructions for the pilot to execute a left turn while climbing to a target altitude of 1,500 feet.

During the initial climb, the aircraft type reached an altitude of 1,800 feet before subsequently descending to 1,400 feet. While operating in rainy weather, the aircraft collided with trees in a forested region situated in Königstein im Taunus, approximately 15 kilometers north of the departure airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and the death of the pilot.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the climb/maneuvering phase of flight.
  • Adverse weather conditions, specifically falling rain, were present at the time of the impact.
  • The aircraft struck vegetation during its descent to 1,400 feet.

Probable cause

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

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-01-19 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident near Königstein im Taunus, Germany?

A positioning flight from Frankfurt-Main Airport ended in a fatal crash in a wooded area near Königstein im Taunus during rainy conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 2009-01-19 Piper PA-42 Cheyenne accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-01-19 involved a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne, registration D-IDIA, operated by Heli-Flight, at Königstein im Taunus, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

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