Single fatality following emergency diversion to Maastricht Airport

1 fatality • Maastricht, Netherlands • Landing (descent or approach)

A solo pilot was killed when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Maastricht Airport during an attempted emergency landing under low visibility conditions.

What happened

While operating in transit, the pilot of a twin engine aircraft notified air traffic control regarding a fuel shortage. Due to the critical fuel state, the decision was made to divert the flight to Maastricht Airport for an unplanned emergency arrival.

During the initial approach on final, the crew encountered significantly degraded visibility caused by fog and low-hanging cloud layers. These conditions necessitated an aborted landing attempt via a go-around. During a subsequent attempt to land the aircraft a few minutes later, the plane impacted the ground a short distance from the airport perimeter.

There was one fatality resulting from the impact, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time of the crash.

Findings

Investigation into the circumstances indicates that visibility during the period of the accident was below required minimums, with estimates placing the range between 300 and 400 meters due to dense fog.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed during an emergency landing attempt while operating in visibility conditions below established minimums caused by heavy fog.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1987-09-08 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Maastricht, Netherlands?

A solo pilot was killed when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Maastricht Airport during an attempted emergency landing under low visibility conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1987-09-08 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1987-09-08 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration D-IGEY, operated by Private Germany, at Maastricht, Netherlands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed during an emergency landing attempt while operating in visibility conditions below established minimums caused by heavy fog.

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