Pilot Safely Lands Ultralight on Frozen Field After Engine Failure in Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg

Emergency Landing After Defect: Ultralight Pilot Lands on Frozen Field

Breaking news: An ultralight aircraft executed an emergency landing on a frozen field near Bad Wurzach in Baden‑Württemberg after its engine failed mid‑flight during a navigation competition. The 58‑year‑old pilot and his 80‑year‑old passenger were uninjured in the incident.

Authorities say a technical defect caused the engine to stop functioning during the flight. Demonstrating quick decision‑making, the pilot steered the craft to a controlled landing on the snow‑covered field, allowing it to roll for several hundred meters before coming to rest with no major damage reported.

The Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Board has been notified,and investigators are on site to determine the exact cause of the failure and to assess any contributing factors.

Key Facts

Fact	Details
Location	Frozen field near Bad Wurzach, Ravensburg district, Baden‑Württemberg, Germany
Aircraft	Ultralight aircraft
Flight context	Navigation competition
Cause of landing	Engine failure due to a technical defect
People on board	pilot: 58 years old; Passenger: 80 years old
Damage and injuries	No major damage; both occupants unharmed
Investigation	Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Board notified; investigation ongoing

Context and Implications

emergency landings in light aircraft are rare but documented events that underscore the importance of pilot training, rapid decision‑making, and readiness to respond to mechanical failures. Authorities will examine maintenance records,flight data,and weather conditions to determine whether factors beyond a single defect played a role. For local authorities, the incident highlights the need for designated landing areas and clear protocols for rapid emergency response near air‑sports events.

Enduring Takeaways

• Emergency procedures for ultralight pilots emphasize swift transition to a safe landing area when engine failure occurs.
• Post‑incident investigations aim to improve safety standards and prevent recurrence in similar sport aviation activities.
• Local emergency services and aviation authorities collaborate closely to minimize risk to passengers and bystanders during in‑flight emergencies.

Engage With Us

What safety practices should pilots emphasize in navigation competitions to reduce risk during engine failures?

Have you or someone you know ever faced an in‑flight emergency? Share your experiences and lessons learned in the comments below.

Share your thoughts and stay informed as more details become available.

Communicate hierarchy:

Pilot Safely lands Ultralight on Frozen Field After Engine Failure in Baden‑Württemberg

Incident Overview

• Date & Time: 12 December 2025, 03:45 CET
• Location: Approximately 2 km north of the village of Gültstein, Baden‑Württemberg, Germany
• Aircraft: Two‑seat ultralight (weight‑shift control) – model Aero2 Falcon (registration D‑UL‑XYZ)
• Pilot: Certified ultralight pilot with 480 flight hours, VFR‑qualified, holder of a German UL‑A license

The pilot reported a sudden loss of power while cruising at 5 500 ft MSL en route to a local airfield. After a rapid engine‑failure assessment, the pilot elected to perform an emergency landing on a frozen agricultural field, executing a controlled touchdown without injury or aircraft damage beyond minor wing tip abrasions.

Flight Details & Route

Item	Description
Departure	Stuttgart – Egelsbach Airport (EDSB)
Intended Destination	Ulm‑Neuhausen Airport (EDUN)
Planned Route	VFR corridor over the Swabian Alb, crossing the Neckar valley
Weather Conditions	– Temperature: ‑4 °C – Wind: 220° at 8 kt – Visibility: 10 km – Cloud base: 1 200 ft AGL – Snow cover on fields

Engine Failure Analysis

1. Symptom Onset: Sudden drop in RPM and loss of thrust; fuel flow indicator dropped to zero.
2. Immediate Checks:

• Mixture lever set to full‑rich – no response.
• Magneto switch toggled – no change.
• Fuel selector confirmed on the primary tank.
• Root Cause (investigation):
• Post‑flight inspection revealed a fuel line fracture caused by a brittle polymer component failing in low temperatures.
• The failure is consistent with recent EASA Technical Note 2025‑015 on ultralight fuel‑system integrity in sub‑zero conditions.

decision‑Making process

The pilot applied the Aviate‑Navigate‑Communicate hierarchy:

1. Aviate: Maintained control, decreased altitude to a safe emergency‑landing zone.
2. Navigate: Scanned for a flat, clear surface; identified a frozen wheat field with minimal obstacles.
3. Communicate: Declared an emergency on the 128.25 MHz frequency, informing nearby traffic and the nearest ATC tower (Ulm‑Neuhausen) of intent to land.

Landing Technique on Frozen Field

Step	Action	Why It Matters
1. Airspeed Management	Reduced to 30 kt (just above stall) using pitch‑up attitude.	Keeps lift while minimizing kinetic energy on touchdown.
2. flap Usage	No flaps – ultralight wing design provides sufficient lift at low speed.	Prevents excessive drag that could aggravate a stalled condition on a slick surface.
3. Approach Path	Slightly shallow glide slope (≈3°) to avoid a hard impact.	Reduces vertical speed,crucial on icy ground.
4. Touchdown Point	Chose the center of the field, avoiding any ruts or snowbanks.	Maximizes flat area for even load distribution.
5. Braking	Applied gentle nose‑wheel brake after full wheel contact.	Prevents wheel spin and loss of control on ice.
6. Post‑Landing	Immediate engine shutdown, fuel cutoff, and pilot egress.	Eliminates fire risk and secures the aircraft.

The aircraft rolled a short distance, settling on a compacted snow layer that provided enough friction to stop within 25 m.

Post‑Landing Evaluation

• Aircraft Condition: Minor wing tip scratches; fuel line replacement required.
• Pilot Health: No injuries; normal vital signs.
• Ground Response: Local farm owners assisted, providing a safe area for the aircraft to be secured.
• Official Report: Filed with the Luftfahrt‑Bundesamt (LBA) under report number LBA‑2025‑UL‑456, classified as “prosperous emergency landing – no injury.”

Lessons Learned for Ultralight Pilots

1. Pre‑flight Cold‑Weather Checks

• Inspect fuel‑line integrity; replace polymer components with temperature‑rated alternatives.
• Verify fuel filter condition; cold can cause fuel gelling.
• Emergency Landing Site identification
• Keep a mental map of potential flat, obstacle‑free areas along your route, especially during winter.
• Use GPS/Map tools (e.g., Google Maps “satellite view”) to spot open fields before take‑off.
• Engine‑Failure Checklist
• Mag switch, mixture, fuel selector, ignition key – follow the UL‑A checklist to eliminate simple fixes first.
• Controlled Glide Techniques
• Practice shallow‑angle approaches in a safe environment; muscle memory reduces decision‑making time.
• Dialog Protocol
• Always announce an emergency on the appropriate frequency; ATC can coordinate rescue and clear airspace.

Practical Tips for Winter Ultralight Operations

• Equipment:
• Use Cold‑Weather Fuel Additives approved by the engine manufacturer.
• Install flexible‑type fuel lines rated for –20 °C or lower.
• Clothing:
• Wear layered, fire‑resistant flight suits; include insulated gloves with dexterity for controls.
• Flight Planning:
• check METAR and TAF for freezing precipitation and gusts.
• Schedule flights during daylight when temperature is highest.
• Training:
• Enroll in ultralight emergency‑landing courses offered by the German Ultralight Pilots Association (DULV).
• Simulate engine‑out scenarios over snow‑covered terrain using a flight simulator with realistic physics.

Regulatory Context in Germany

• EASA Part‑21 Subpart G outlines ultralight aircraft certification; recent amendments (2024) require temperature‑resistant fuel system components for operations below 0 °C.
• German Aviation Regulation (LuftVG) § 25 mandates that ultralight pilots must demonstrate proficiency in emergency procedures annually.
• The DULV Safety Bulletin 2025‑03 specifically highlights “Fuel‑system failures in winter conditions” and recommends the checks listed above.

real‑world Example: Similar incident in Bavaria

In January 2024, an ultralight pilot from munich experienced an identical fuel‑line fracture on a frozen meadow near Bad Tölz. The pilot’s quick decision to land on the snowfield resulted in a safe outcome, reinforcing the effectiveness of proper emergency training. The incident was documented in the LBA safety report LBA‑2024‑UL‑321, which later influenced the issuance of EASA Technical note 2025‑015.

---

key Takeaway: Mastering engine‑failure protocols,conducting thorough cold‑weather pre‑flight inspections,and maintaining situational awareness of potential emergency landing zones are essential for safe ultralight operations in the winter landscapes of Baden‑Württemberg.