Accident Overview
On July 19, 2017, at approximately 18:27 local time, a Jodel D11-2 aircraft (serial number 487-5, built in 1956 by W. Uetz Flugzeugbau under license) crashed on an asphalt road near Pfäffikon, Switzerland. The aircraft was operated by a local flight school and was conducting a training flight for a Private Pilot License. The two occupants—a 33-year-old flight instructor and a 40-year-old student—were seriously injured.
Flight and Weather
At around 17:40, the instructor and student departed from Speck-Fehraltorf airport on runway 30. Weather briefings indicated possible thunderstorms later in the evening. After two full-stop landings, they decided to fly a third circuit. Shortly after takeoff, at about 2,000 ft AMSL, sudden severe turbulence was encountered. The instructor took control and observed a southeasterly wind on the windsock, prompting a shortened approach to runway 12. During final approach, wind gusts caused airspeed fluctuations between 85 km/h and 150 km/h. The instructor initiated a go-around when the landing appeared too long.
Aircraft and Crew
The Jodel D11-2 is a single-engine, two-seat, low-wing aircraft with a fixed tailwheel. It was powered by a Teledyne Continental C90 14F engine. The instructor held an ATPL and had approximately 125 hours on type, while the student had 26 hours total flight experience. The aircraft's takeoff mass was about 626 kg, slightly above the maximum of 620 kg.
Final Moments
During the go-around, the instructor turned left into crosswind at about 60 ft AGL. The aircraft encountered a strong tailwind and lost altitude rapidly. Unable to maintain level flight, and with rising terrain to the north, the instructor attempted a forced landing to an open field. As he initiated a left turn, the aircraft rolled sharply left. The left wing struck a rapeseed field, causing the aircraft to pivot and impact the asphalt road inverted. The aircraft came to rest on its back next to a truck trailer. Both occupants sustained serious injuries.