On February 6, 1953, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration X-1) operated by Royal Netherlands Air Force - Luchtvaartbrigade (1913-1953) was involved in an aviation accident near Valkenburg AFB (Leiden), Netherlands during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the stall was the consequence of an excessive accumulation of ice on wings. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff from Valkenburg AFB, an aircraft stalled during initial climb, belly landed in a field past the runway, slid, and came to a stop with both engines sheared off. No casualties, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Accident Details
Shortly after departing from Valkenburg Air Force Base, the aircraft entered an initial climb phase. During this climb, it stalled and subsequently performed a belly landing in a field beyond the runway end. The aircraft slid for several yards before coming to a complete stop.
Damage
Both engines were sheared off from the airframe during the incident. The left propeller penetrated the cockpit, causing severe damage to the fuselage. The aircraft was assessed as damaged beyond repair.
Casualties
There were no casualties reported as a result of the accident.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the stall was believed to be the consequence of an excessive accumulation of ice on the wings.