1982-05-19: Cessna 551 Citation II (D-IJHM) — J. Hurler Flugdienst — Kassel, Germany

8 fatalitiesKassel, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into a wooded area during its approach to Kassel-Calden Airport, resulting in the deaths of all eight people on board.

What happened

During a flight originating from Munich, the crew began their descent toward Kassel-Calden Airport. As the aircraft approached runway 22, the area was experiencing reduced visibility due to scattered patches of fog. During the approach phase, the aircraft impacted trees and crashed in a forested region situated approximately 4,500 meters before the runway threshold and 1,100 meters away from the extended centerline.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were eight fatalities among the occupants, with no survivors reported.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the crew did not adhere to established flight procedures, continuing the approach despite being at an insufficient altitude within limited visibility conditions. A significant contributing factor was the failure of the crew to execute a go-around procedure when necessary. Furthermore, it was determined that the pilot's operational capabilities may have been impaired by alcohol consumption prior to or during the flight.

Probable cause

The crew continued an approach below the required altitude in low visibility and failed to perform a go-around, potentially exacerbated by alcohol impairment.