A tragic incident unfolded near the Hangelar airfield in North Rhine-Westphalia on March 21, 2025, when a Beechcraft B36T Bonanza crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of the pilot and serious injuries to his daughter.
According to authorities, the pilot reported engine problems just after taking off at approximately 16:30. The aircraft, which was a 40-year-old model, shortly thereafter tilted to the side and crashed into a field adjacent to the airfield, bursting into flames upon impact. Witnesses described seeing a significant column of black smoke rising into the air.
Stefan Birk, the police spokesperson at the scene, confirmed, "According to police findings, the plane started shortly before at Hangelar airfield, tilted to the side, crashed into the field, and burst into flames." Despite the immediate response, the pilot tragically perished in the wreckage.
In a fortunate turn, the pilot's daughter managed to escape the burning aircraft and was quickly transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. Reports indicate that she is expected to recover. Eyewitnesses noted her desperate attempt to free herself from the flames amid the wreckage.
Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying around 60 personnel from the Sankt Augustin volunteer fire department, as well as multiple rescue helicopters. Dennis Schwellenbach, spokesperson for the fire department, stated, "Upon arrival, the fire department found the plane fully ablaze and managed to extinguish the fire quickly." Rescue efforts were complicated by the blaze, which engulfed the aircraft's engine compartment.
The investigation into the crash began immediately after the fire was extinguished. Crash experts have been dispatched and are on their way to the site to determine the exact cause of this tragic incident. The initial assessment indicates that the single-engine plane suffered a critical failure during takeoff, leading to the disastrous outcome.
The Hangelar airfield is known as a hub for light aviation and caters to numerous private pilots and flying clubs. The local community has expressed deep shock at the incident, noting the rarity of such crashes. Historical records show only a few incidents in the area, particularly considering that the airstrip is regularly used for flights by less experienced pilots.
While the investigation continues, nearby residents reported that emergency services cordoned off the area surrounding the crash site, managing crowds of onlookers who watched the event unfold from a distance. The local authorities are urging for patience as investigators gather evidence and assess the wreckage.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with flying, even among relatively routine operations like general aviation flights. With concerns over air safety heightened, many in the community are calling for a review of safety protocols and procedures at the airfield.
As the investigation unfolds, more information will be revealed about what went wrong during the flight and how such incidents can be prevented in the future. The aviation community awaits further updates with heavy hearts, as they reflect on the loss of life and the impact on the pilot's family.
