2 fatalities

Skydiving Accident Claims Two Lives, Injures Two in Netherlands (S-2)

Garderen, NetherlandsFlight

On April 23, 1968, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration S-2) operated by Royal Netherlands Air Force - Koninklijke Luchtmacht (1953-) was involved in an aviation accident near Garderen, Netherlands in flight. 2 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During a skydiving flight, a jumper struck the aircraft's stabilizer, causing loss of control and a crash in a field near Garderen and Elspeet. Two died, two injured.

Incident Overview

A single-engine aircraft conducting a local skydiving exercise crashed in an open field between the villages of Garderen and Elspeet. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and three soldiers who were also skydivers. The accident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to two others.

Sequence of Events

While at cruising altitude, the pilot stabilized the aircraft to allow the skydivers to exit. The first skydiver jumped from the cabin and apparently struck the aircraft's stabilizer. Following this impact, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The aircraft subsequently crashed in the open field.

Casualties and Injuries

The first skydiver and a second parachutist were killed in the accident. The pilot and a third parachutist sustained injuries.

Investigation

The accident investigation is focused on the circumstances surrounding the jumper's contact with the stabilizer and the subsequent loss of control. No additional details regarding the cause have been released.