As an experienced pilot and aircraft manufacturer, Pippart volunteered for the German Air Force when the war began. An instructor before transferring to the Eastern Front, he achieved his first victories flying a Roland D.II against Russian aircraft and balloons during the summer of 1917. On 11 August 1918, after attacking an enemy balloon, Pippart was forced to jump from his damaged Fokker. He was killed when his parachute failed to open.