What happened
During the initial climb phase at approximately 1,000 feet, an aircraft departing from runway 34 at Hamburg-Fuhlsbüttel Airport experienced a dual engine failure. The right engine ceased functioning immediately following the failure of the left engine. In response to the loss of power, the crew declared an emergency and attempted to perform an emergency landing on the Hamburg - Kiel Highway.
Upon contacting the highway, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters before colliding with a concrete bridge. The impact caused the plane to lose its wings and tail section; the fuselage subsequently broke into two pieces after the cockpit separated from the rest of the airframe. A post-crash fire ignited, resulting in the total destruction of the wreckage. The accident resulted in 22 fatalities, including one crew member and 21 passengers, while 57 injuries were reported among the survivors.
Findings
Investigations determined that the engine failures were triggered by a contamination error within the water injection system. At least one portable container used to replenish the system's tank contained fuel instead of water. This error was made possible because the containers lacked proper labeling regarding their contents and were stored in a manner that led to their incorrect use. As the injection process progressed, fuel entered the engines, causing extreme overheating and severe damage to the turbine components.
This mechanical failure resulted in a critical loss of thrust, preventing the crew from maintaining altitude. The emergency landing on the highway was executed at a low altitude with a high rate of descent. Furthermore, the aircraft's weight at the time of the accident exceeded its maximum allowable landing weight. The force of the touchdown caused the left main landing gear to fracture, leading to the loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the bridge.