What happened
On the morning of the incident, a private flight departed from Rottweil-Zepfenhan Airport at 10:56 local time, bound for Lugano. The aircraft, a single engine airplane, was operated with one pilot and one passenger on board. During the initial climb at flight level 070 within instrument meteorological conditions, the crew observed the fuel filter bypass warning light illuminate on the instrument panel. Although the light extinguished shortly after appearing, the engine suffered a total loss of power approximately one minute later.
Following the loss of power, the pilot performed two unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. The pilot's original plan was to return to the departure airfield at Rottweil; however, due to the declining altitude, neither Rottweil nor Donaueschingen-Villingen Airport remained accessible. The pilot evaluated Schwenningen Airport as a potential landing site but determined the surrounding forest, nearby structures, and runway length made it too hazardous. Consequently, the decision was made to perform an emergency landing in an open field near Dauchensein, roughly 15 km southwest of the origin airport.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft struck uneven terrain, which caused the undercarriage to separate from the airframe. The plane eventually came to a stop on a path, where both wings sustained partial damage. Both two occupants survived the impact with minor injuries.
Findings
- The engine power loss occurred shortly after a brief activation of the fuel filter bypass warning light, suggesting a fuel delivery issue.