Investigation Summary
The aircraft, a Reims-built Cessna FR172H Rocket, was departing runway 25 at Soest/Bad Sassendorf Airfield for a private flight to Wipperfurth-Neye Airfield. Shortly after liftoff, the aircraft crashed into a field near the runway and was subsequently destroyed by fire. The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) led the investigation, supported by the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators found that the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall during the initial climb phase. This condition was triggered by abrupt pulling on the control yoke during the takeoff run followed by an uncorrected, uncoordinated flight attitude. While the specific reason for the inappropriate control inputs could not be determined, the resulting loss of control led to the fatal impact.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Airframe
The Cessna FR172H is a four-seat, high-wing, fixed-gear aircraft manufactured under license by Reims Aviation in France.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Reims-built Cessna FR172H, often referred to as the 'Rocket' due to its higher-performance engine compared to standard 172 models.
- 02The NTSB administrative classification for this foreign accident was Part 129.
- 03The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight.
- 04The NTSB did not travel to the scene, providing support to the German BFU investigation.