nvestigators have determined that the test driver of a Porsche prototype caused an accident that killed him, and destroyed the car. The Darmstaadt, Germany, prosecutor's office listed excessive speed and a technical defect as the principal factors in the accident. The 51-year-old engineer died from extensive bodily injuries after he lost control of the Porsche 911 cabriolet test car, and smashed into the barrier. The vehicle wedged halfway under the guard rail, and continued to slide for a considerable distance before coming to rest.

Darmstaadt's investigation concluded the convertible was traveling at a rate of 110 to 120 km/h, confirming a previous statement by Porsche indicating that the vehicle was not involved in a high speed test. At the time, witnesses had said the car was being driven at a rate of speed that was too fast for conditions. There is no speed limit for the stretch of road where the crash took place.

Porsche previously indicated that the deceased employee "was one of the most experienced test drivers." He had worked for Porsche for 25 years. The accident, which took place between Frankfurt and Heidelbarg on the A5 Autobahn, caused extensive damage to the Porsche 991 prototype. The cost of the crash is said to be in the "tens of thousands of Euro."

 

That's too bad... Poor guy. I wonder what the "technical defect" was.

 

110km/h? He was barely moving ...

 

Yeah, exactly. I'm guess a control arm broke and put him in the barrier.

 

They said he was driving too fast for the conditions, so perhaps technical fault paired with rain/ ice?

A new 997 cab costs like €100k. How can a crash that totals the car, cost in the tens of thousands? Especially when it's a prototype.

 

this has to be faulty information. 120km/h will never result that kind of damage unless the structure of the car was faulty itself. no matter what the road condition, a production 911 can stand impact at that speed unless the impact point is above the body which the guard rail shouldn't be high enough.

I am thinking it's more like 250-280km/h.

 

May he RIP.

Porsche better go through the wreck with a fine tooth comb - if they can get their hands on it.

 

I wonder if the front suspension failed, lowering the nose of the car enough to push under the guardrail. Either way, a tragedy.