Accident Overview
On a positioning flight from Essen-Mülheim Airport to Innsbruck-Kranebitten Airport, the pilot lost control of the aircraft while at cruising altitude. The airplane entered a dive and subsequently crashed into the Walchensee (Walchen Lake) off Niedernach, Bavaria. The aircraft was destroyed on impact, and the pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.
Circumstances
The flight was conducted as a positioning operation, with no passengers on board. The loss of control occurred unexpectedly during cruising flight, leading to a rapid descent and impact with the lake. The exact sequence of events leading to the loss of control was not detailed in the official findings, but the investigation focused on structural failure.
Investigation Findings
According to the official accident investigation, the probable cause was that the tail separated in flight for unknown reasons. The separation of the tail structure resulted in the loss of control and subsequent crash. No other contributing factors were identified in the report.
Aftermath
The wreckage was located in Walchensee, and recovery operations were conducted. The pilot's remains were recovered and identified. The investigation did not specify any other damage or injuries, as the pilot was the sole occupant and was killed.