What happened
In May 2018, two separate fatal accidents involving powered aircraft took place within the Netherlands. On 22 May 2018, a Reims F172N departed from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to conduct a proficiency check with an examiner on board. While flying in the low-flying area near Stolwijk, the aircraft's left wing struck several trees. The impact caused the wing to detach, and the aircraft subsequently crashed into the ground, resulting in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Shortly after, on 31 May 2018, a Piper Pawnee was operating at Breda International Airport. After successfully picking up an advertising banner, the aircraft crashed just outside the airport boundaries. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire and be destroyed, resulting in the death of the unaccompanied pilot.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) launched investigations into both occurrences to identify the underlying causes and prevent future recurrences. The investigation into the Reims F172N focused on the flight path and the sequence of events leading to the collision with the trees during the low-flying maneuver.