No fatalities

Cargo Flight Diversion Ends in Ground Impact Near Amsterdam (OO-SRA)

Amsterdam, NetherlandsLanding (descent or approach)

On August 14, 1949, an Avro 652 Anson (registration OO-SRA) operated by Belgian International Air Services - BIAS was involved in an aviation accident near Amsterdam, Netherlands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred when the pilot descended below the cloud layer during a third approach in poor visibility, leading to a controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo aircraft diverted from Groningen to Amsterdam due to fog and poor weather. During a third approach, it descended below the cloud layer and impacted terrain, resulting in significant damage but no injuries.

What happened

The crew was operating a cargo flight originating from Stavanger with a payload of lobsters destined for Groningen. While on final approach to Groningen-Eelde Airport, the team experienced communication difficulties and could not visually acquire the runway due to dense fog. Consequently, the pilot elected to divert to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport.

Upon arrival at the destination, the crew encountered similarly adverse weather conditions. The initial approach was abandoned, and a subsequent attempt also failed, leading to a go-around maneuver. During the third approach, the pilot attempted to descend beneath the cloud base. At this point, the aircraft struck the ground, resulting in the loss of its undercarriage. The airframe then collided with a caravan before finally coming to rest in a drainage ditch.

Both occupants sustained no injuries during the incident. However, the aircraft suffered damage that rendered it beyond repair. Post-accident inspections revealed that approximately 15 liters of fuel remained in the tanks at the time of the impact.

Probable cause

The accident occurred when the pilot descended below the cloud layer during a third approach in poor visibility, leading to a controlled flight into terrain.