Accident Details
On July 2, 2006, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver operated by an airline performed commercial sightseeing flights under visual flight rules from the special water landing site Hamburg Norderelbe. The first flight departed at 09:45 local time and returned after approximately half an hour. For the subsequent flight, five passengers were booked. Before boarding, they were briefed on emergency procedures and provided with life vests by an airline employee. The ground staff member reported the aircraft ready for departure to the pilot. The pilot manually turned the propeller several times, then boarded and started the engine using the electric starter.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff on the main stream of the Elbe in an easterly direction, the aircraft turned right towards the south. Witnesses near Veddeler Damm heard the engine stop. The aircraft then entered a descent with no engine noise, turning eastward. During the subsequent emergency landing on the railway tracks of the Hamburg-Süd freight station, it struck obstacles. The aircraft was destroyed.
Injuries and Damage
Five occupants sustained fatal injuries, and one passenger was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed. Additionally, damage occurred to the railway track and wagons.
Probable Cause
The accident during the climb after takeoff was due to the following immediate cause: before reaching circuit altitude, the fuel supply was interrupted between the fuel pump and the carburetor, resulting in an engine fire and stoppage. No suitable emergency landing area was reachable in that phase. A systemic cause was that the departure route approved for the special water landing site did not provide a suitable emergency landing area for the aircraft type during that flight phase.