Fatal aircraft accident during initial climb

7 fatalities • Berlin-Tegel, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area after experiencing an engine failure during its third takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

What happened

The incident began with two unsuccessful attempts to take off for reasons that remain undetermined. During the third takeoff roll, the aircraft entered its initial climb phase. At this point, the pilot notified ground control regarding an engine failure and decided to execute an emergency landing.

As the aircraft was performing a final right-hand turn to align with the approach path, it experienced a significant bank to the right. The aircraft subsequently stalled and struck a wooded area approximately two kilometers before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in a fire that destroyed the airframe. There were seven fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the crash focused on the extreme banking maneuver observed during the climb. While witnesses and debris analysis confirmed that the aircraft banked sharply to the right, VHF radio communications provided no definitive explanation for why such a steep turn occurred. Evidence suggests the aircraft reached a bank angle of nearly 90 degrees prior to hitting the terrain, an event believed to have been triggered by the engine failure.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a steep right-hand bank leading to a stall, likely as a consequence of an engine failure during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-02-17 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Berlin-Tegel, Germany?

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area after experiencing an engine failure during its third takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-02-17 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-02-17 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration F-RAEG, operated by GLAM - Groupe de Liaisons Aériennes Ministérielles, at Berlin-Tegel, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a steep right-hand bank leading to a stall, likely as a consequence of an engine failure during the initial climb.

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