Aircraft accident involving fatal ground impact after stall

2 fatalities • Amsterdam, Netherlands • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a stall during its initial climb, leading to a belly landing and an overrun that resulted in two pedestrian fatalities.

What happened

During takeoff from runway 05, the aircraft completed a 700-meter ground roll before the captain initiated rotation. As the plane reached an altitude of roughly 50 to 60 feet while traveling at 233 km/h, the pilot-in-command retracted the flaps. This action caused the aircraft to lose altitude and enter a stall. In response, the pilot reduced throttle, resulting in a belly landing on the remaining runway surface.

The aircraft continued to slide for approximately 200 meters before overrunning the runway. During the overrun, the plane crossed a road where it struck two young pedestrians, aged 16 and 4, both of whom were killed. The impact caused the aircraft to break into two pieces near a drainage ditch. While all 34 occupants on board were evacuated without injury, the aircraft type was destroyed in the accident.

Findings

Investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the accident, as no technical failures were identified in the aircraft's components prior to the event. Although it was noted that the damping of the cable tensioners did not strictly adhere to specifications, officials determined this was unlikely to have impacted steerability. The investigation suggested the ascent was flatter than usual, which may have prompted a rapid sequence of flap retraction and power reduction by the pilot. Ultimately, no sanctions were recommended against the crew.

Probable cause

The exact cause remains undetermined, though the sequence of flap retraction and power reduction during an unusual climb profile may have contributed to the stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-05-25 Convair CV-240 accident near Amsterdam, Netherlands?

An aircraft experienced a stall during its initial climb, leading to a belly landing and an overrun that resulted in two pedestrian fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-05-25 Convair CV-240 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-05-25 involved a Convair CV-240, registration PH-TEI, operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, at Amsterdam, Netherlands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause remains undetermined, though the sequence of flap retraction and power reduction during an unusual climb profile may have contributed to the stall.

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