Accident Overview
On a flight from Copenhagen to Herning, a twin-engine aircraft chartered by the Danish Football Association crashed into the sea approximately 50 meters offshore shortly after takeoff from Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and eight football players who were en route to a final trial match to select the Danish squad for the 1960 Olympic tournament. Among the passengers were three provisionally selected players and five B-team and youth internationals.
The pilot lost control during initial climb under poor weather conditions, resulting in a total loss of the aircraft upon impact. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including the loss of a leg; all eight passengers were killed.
Passengers and Crew
The aircraft was crewed by pilot Stig Vindeløv. The passengers were Per Funch Jensen, Erik Pondal Jensen, Kurt Krahmer, Søren Andersen, Børge Bastholm Larsen, Arne Karlsen, Ib Eskildsen, and Erling Spalk.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the pilot experienced spatial disorientation after takeoff in poor weather conditions characterized by heavy rain and crosswinds. The lack of windshield wipers on the aircraft was considered a contributing factor.