What happened
On the morning of the accident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Niederstetten Airport in Baden-Wurttemberg. The flight began under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with a 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 an altitude of 3,700 feet, the pilot experienced a momentary loss of control. In an effort to recover the aircraft, the pilot allowed the plane to climb to 4,000 feet. However, the aircraft subsequently entered a left turn and entered an uncontrolled descent. The aircraft struck a field in Borchen, approximately 8 km short of the active runway. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and three fatalities.
Findings
- The flight transitioned from VFR to IFR mid-flight.
- The accident occurred during the instrument approach phase.
- The pilot lost control of the aircraft while attempting to establish on the ILS.