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8 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Trees on Approach to Kassel-Calden, All Eight Occupants Killed (D-IJHM)

Kassel, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On May 19, 1982, a Cessna 551 Citation II (registration D-IJHM) operated by J. Hurler Flugdienst was involved in an aviation accident near Kassel, Germany during landing or approach. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to follow the prescribed procedures and continued the approach below the glide in limited visibility. The pilot capacities were probably diminished by the presence of alcohol in his blood, which was considered as a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During approach to Kassel-Calden Airport in reduced visibility with fog, an aircraft struck trees and crashed 4,500 meters short of runway 22. The aircraft was destroyed and all eight occupants were killed.

Accident Details

An aircraft on a flight from Munich was conducting a descent to Kassel-Calden Airport. The approach to runway 22 was carried out in reduced visibility due to local patches of fog. The pilot-in-command failed to maintain sufficient altitude, and the aircraft struck trees before crashing in a wooded area 4,500 meters short of the runway threshold and 1,100 meters from the extended centerline. The aircraft was destroyed and all eight occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The investigation determined that the crew failed to follow prescribed procedures and continued the approach below the glide path in limited visibility. Additionally, the pilot's capacities were probably diminished by the presence of alcohol in his blood, which was considered a contributing factor. The crew also failed to initiate a go-around procedure.

Probable cause

The crew failed to follow the prescribed procedures and continued the approach below the glide in limited visibility. The pilot capacities were probably diminished by the presence of alcohol in his blood, which was considered as a contributing factor. The crew also failed to initiate a go-around procedure.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 1982 Cessna 551 Citation II accident near Kassel, Germany?

During approach to Kassel-Calden Airport in reduced visibility with fog, an aircraft struck trees and crashed 4,500 meters short of runway 22. The aircraft was destroyed and all eight occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 May 1982 Cessna 551 Citation II accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 1982 involved a Cessna 551 Citation II, registration D-IJHM, operated by J. Hurler Flugdienst, at Kassel, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to follow the prescribed procedures and continued the approach below the glide in limited visibility. The pilot capacities were probably diminished by the presence of alcohol in his blood, which was considered as a contributing factor. The crew also failed to initiate a go-around procedure.

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