What happened
On September 18, 1982, at approximately 18:59 GMT, a Beechcraft B-200 C, registration OY-BEP, crashed into terrain near the Luxembourg Airport. The aircraft, operated by Aviation Assistance and flying on a repositioning flight from Mahon, Spain, to Denmark, was in the final stages of an approach to runway 24. While maneuvering for the landing, the aircraft struck trees on the northern flank of the Hilldebierg hill, specifically near the Banzelt area. The impact occurred approximately 4.4 nautical miles from the runway threshold at an altitude of 1,125 feet. All three occupants (two pilots and one passenger) were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by experts from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority at the request of the Luxembourg Ministry of Transport. Investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed radar data provided by EUROCONTROL. Technical examinations of the debris, assisted by a representative from Beechcraft, found no evidence of structural failure or mechanical malfunction in the airframe or engines. The investigation also reviewed cockpit voice and radio communications between the crew and Luxembourg Approach/Tower. Notably, the investigators noted that while some equipment such as the weather radar and autopilot were listed as inoperative in the logbook, these defects were not considered contributing factors to the crash. The investigation also looked into the pilot's familiarity with local procedures and the impact of local weather conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying through severe weather, including heavy hail and significant Cumulonimbus clouds, which prompted the crew to request a shortened approach.
- The aircraft struck trees while in a turn during the approach phase.
- The pilot was attempting to navigate around intense thunderstorm activity.
- There were several known inoperative components on the aircraft at the time of the accident, including the weather radar, autopilot, and ADF number 2.
- One crew member had a blood alcohol concentration of 1.5 g/l, though this was not identified as a primary cause of the impact.