3 fatalities

1999-08-21: Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (D-ELHB) — Private Germany — Paderborn-Lippstadt, Germany

Paderborn-Lippstadt, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On August 21, 1999, a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (registration D-ELHB) operated by Private Germany was involved in an aviation accident near Paderborn-Lippstadt, Germany during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft suffered a structural failure when aerodynamic loads exceeded design limits during an attempt to regain control while intercepting the ILS. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 15 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781204172Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a field near Borchen, Germany, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board during an instrument approach.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Niederstetten Airport in Baden-Wurttemberg. The flight was initially conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) with one pilot and two passengers on board. Upon reaching Würzburg, the flight transitioned to instrument flight rules (IFR) for the remainder of the journey.

While approaching Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport, the aircraft was cleared for an ILS approach to runway 24 after descending below 5,000 feet. During the attempt to establish on the localizer at approximately 3,700 feet, the pilot experienced a momentary loss of control. In an effort to recover the aircraft, the plane climbed to 4,000 feet and entered a left turn, which subsequently led to an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft type crashed into a field in Borchen, roughly 8 km short of the runway threshold. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the plane and three fatalities.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the pilot's attempt to intercept the ILS for runway 24 led to a loss of control. During the recovery maneuver, the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft exceeded its structural certification limits, causing the outer portion of the right wing to detach. Additionally, it was noted that the pilot, despite holding an instrument rating, struggled to successfully execute the instrument approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a structural failure when aerodynamic loads exceeded design limits during an attempt to regain control while intercepting the ILS.