DG 400 accident during approach at Arnbruck results in fatality
On May 21, 2009, a DG Flugzeugbau DG 400 experienced a fatal accident during approach at Arnbruck, Germany. The pilot, who had significant experience with 923 flight hours, was attempting to land on runway 34 with a tailwind. Witnesses reported the glider was flying at a high altitude and made several direction changes while descending. During the final approach, the glider stalled and crashed approximately 160 meters from the runway, resulting in the pilot's death and the destruction of the aircraft. The investigation found no technical faults with the glider.
- Self-launch cruise: The pilot self-launched in the DG 400 from Straubing and cruised toward Arnbruck to participate in a competition.
- High initial approach: On arrival overhead Arnbruck at about 600 m AGL, the glider was at an excessively high altitude for the landing pattern and the pilot flew several circles to lose height.
- Tailwind runway choice: Despite wind from 180° at 5–10 kt, the pilot accepted and flew an approach to runway 34 with a tailwind.
- Low, slow turn to final: Below about 100 m AGL on final approach, the pilot turned left toward the asphalt runway with insufficient airspeed.
- Stall in turn: During the low-altitude left turn, the glider exceeded its critical angle of attack, abruptly banked off and entered a stalled, over‑pitched attitude.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the ground almost vertically about 160 m short of the runway threshold, destroying the aircraft and fatally injuring the pilot.