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4 fatalities

Fatal training accident at Groningen-Eelde Airport (PH-UBW)

Groningen-Eelde, NetherlandsLanding (descent or approach)

On December 30, 1960, a Beechcraft D18 (registration PH-UBW) operated by Rijksluchtvaartschool - RLS was involved in an aviation accident near Groningen-Eelde, Netherlands during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a stall during the final approach phase of the flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight involving four crew members ended in a fatal crash during the final approach at Groningen-Eelde Airport.

What happened

During a local training mission operating out of Groningen-Eelde Airport, a twin engine airplane experienced a catastrophic loss of lift. The aircraft was being operated by a crew consisting of four pilots who were undergoing instruction at the time of the incident.

As the flight was performing its final approach to the runway, the aircraft entered a stall. This aerodynamic stall resulted in the plane descending into a nearby field. The impact of the crash led to the deaths of all four occupants on board.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during the final phase of flight.
  • The incident occurred while the crew was engaged in instructional maneuvers.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during the final approach phase of the flight.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1960 Beechcraft D18 accident near Groningen-Eelde, Netherlands?

A training flight involving four crew members ended in a fatal crash during the final approach at Groningen-Eelde Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Dec 1960 Beechcraft D18 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1960 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration PH-UBW, operated by Rijksluchtvaartschool - RLS, at Groningen-Eelde, Netherlands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall during the final approach phase of the flight.

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