Runway overrun and post-crash fire involving aircraft during initial climb

No fatalities • Munich-Riem, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced severe vibrations shortly after takeoff, leading to a runway overrun and subsequent fire. All passengers and crew evacuated without fatalities.

What happened

During the departure phase of the flight, the aircraft completed a standard takeoff roll and the pilot initiated rotation. As the plane reached an altitude of approximately 30 feet during its initial climb, the crew experienced intense vibrations. In response to these conditions, the captain attempted an immediate return to the runway for an emergency landing.

However, the aircraft could not be brought to a halt within the remaining length of the runway. The resulting overrun caused the plane to leave the paved surface, leading to the separation of the undercarriage. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in an adjacent open field, where it caught fire. Emergency responders were able to extinguish the flames quickly. While all 23 occupants were evacuated from the wreckage without injury, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified that the intense vibrations experienced after liftoff were the result of excessive ice accumulation on the wings. Additionally, the crew's response to the mechanical instability was determined to be inappropriate.

Probable cause

The accumulation of heavy ice on the wings caused severe vibrations, compounded by improper pilot actions during the emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-02-09 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident near Munich-Riem, Germany?

An aircraft experienced severe vibrations shortly after takeoff, leading to a runway overrun and subsequent fire. All passengers and crew evacuated without fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-02-09 De Havilland DH.106 Comet accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-02-09 involved a De Havilland DH.106 Comet, registration SU-ALE, operated by United Arab Airlines, at Munich-Riem, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accumulation of heavy ice on the wings caused severe vibrations, compounded by improper pilot actions during the emergency.

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