Aircraft belly landing at Valkenburg AFB due to wing icing

No fatalities • Valkenburg AFB (Leiden), Netherlands • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a stall during its initial climb from Valkenburg AFB, resulting in a belly landing and significant structural damage.

What happened

During the early stages of flight following departure from Valkenburg AFB, an aircraft entered a stall while performing its initial climb. The loss of lift caused the plane to descend beyond the runway threshold, where it performed a belly landing in an adjacent field.

As the aircraft slid across the terrain for several yards, the impact resulted in both engines being sheared from the airframe. The structural integrity of the fuselage was severely compromised when the left propeller penetrated the cockpit area. While the incident caused extensive damage to the aircraft, there were no fatalities or injuries reported among those on board.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor leading to the stall was the excessive accumulation of ice on the wings.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled during takeoff due to heavy ice buildup on the wing surfaces.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1953-02-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Valkenburg AFB (Leiden), Netherlands?

An aircraft experienced a stall during its initial climb from Valkenburg AFB, resulting in a belly landing and significant structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 1953-02-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1953-02-06 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration X-1, operated by Royal Netherlands Air Force - Luchtvaartbrigade (1913-1953), at Valkenburg AFB (Leiden), Netherlands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled during takeoff due to heavy ice buildup on the wing surfaces.

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