Copenhagen to Herning aircraft accident

8 fatalities • Copenhagen-Kastrup, Denmark • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine charter flight carrying Danish football players crashed into the sea shortly after departing Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport.

What happened

A chartered twin engine aircraft was performing a special flight from Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport to Herning. The flight was organized for the Danish Football Association and carried one pilot and eight passengers, consisting of football players participating in trials for the 1960 Olympic tournament squad.

During the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of control. The plane impacted the sea approximately 50 meters from the shoreline. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Of the nine people on board, there were eight fatalities and one survivor. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including the loss of a leg, while all eight passengers perished.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation during the climb. This disorientation occurred while operating in adverse weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall and crosswinds. Additionally, it was noted that the aircraft lacked windshield wipers, which served as a contributing factor to the loss of control.

Probable cause

The pilot suffered from spatial disorientation due to poor visibility caused by heavy rain and crosswinds during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1960-07-16 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident near Copenhagen-Kastrup, Denmark?

A twin-engine charter flight carrying Danish football players crashed into the sea shortly after departing Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1960-07-16 De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1960-07-16 involved a De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide, registration OY-DZY, operated by Zonen Aviation - Zone-Redningskorpset Flyve-Tjenesten, at Copenhagen-Kastrup, Denmark.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot suffered from spatial disorientation due to poor visibility caused by heavy rain and crosswinds during the initial climb.

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