Fatal aircraft accident during approach to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB

4 fatalities • Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany • Landing (descent or approach)

A refueling mission aircraft crashed in a wooded area during a night approach to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members.

What happened

During a night-time approach to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB, an aircraft operating on behalf of the 141st Air Refueling Wing from Fairchild, Washington, crashed in a forested region. The aircraft was in the process of returning to base following a completed aerial refueling mission conducted over German airspace.

As the crew was on final approach, they attempted to execute a go-around maneuver. During this transition, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-up to an angle of 7.5 degrees, which led to an aerodynamic stall. The subsequent impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all four occupants.

Findings

  • The accident occurred during the approach phase of flight.
  • The sequence of events was triggered by a stall following a pitch-up during a go-around attempt.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall following a significant pitch-up during a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-01-13 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident near Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany?

A refueling mission aircraft crashed in a wooded area during a night approach to Geilenkirchen NATO AFB, resulting in the deaths of all four crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-01-13 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-01-13 involved a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, registration 59-1452, operated by Air National Guard, at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall following a significant pitch-up during a go-around maneuver.

Loading the flight search…