Grob G 109 B crash near Kirchzarten results in two fatalities
On June 17, 2000, a Grob G 109 B motor glider crashed in a forested area near Kirchzarten, Germany. The aircraft, carrying two people, departed from Schweighofen and was en route to Konstanz when it encountered difficulties. Witnesses reported hearing engine noise followed by a crash. Both occupants were fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation found no technical faults with the aircraft, and weather conditions were suitable for visual flight.
- En-route cruise: The self-launched motor glider departed Schweighofen, made an intermediate landing at Freiburg, then departed again toward Konstanz and was cruising into the Black Forest area.
- Unfamiliar mountainous area: The pilot, with low total and type experience, was flying his first flight in the mountainous Black Forest region, whose terrain characteristics were unfamiliar to him.
- Insufficient climb performance use: Although the aircraft was capable of climbing sufficiently to clear the terrain, the pilot did not achieve or maintain enough height over the rising ground along the chosen route.
- Terrain misjudged: Approaching the end of a steep valley, the pilot misjudged distance, height, and speed relative to the rapidly rising terrain and continued toward a ridge that could no longer be safely overflown.
- Late pull-up attempt: Instead of turning back in time, the pilot attempted to outclimb the terrain by pulling back on the control stick while already too low over the steeply rising ground.
- Stall and right roll: The excessive pitch-up caused the airspeed to drop below stall speed, the motor glider stalled, rolled off to the right, and descended uncontrollably into the forested slope.
- Crash - fatal: The aircraft impacted the forested terrain about 700–800 m before and roughly 100 m below the ridge crest, was destroyed, and both occupants were fatally injured.