Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident at Amsterdam, Netherlands, 14 Nov 1946 (PH-TBW)
On November 14, 1946, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration PH-TBW) operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij was involved in an aviation accident near Amsterdam, Netherlands during landing or approach. 26 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the approach configuration was wrong. Poor weather conditions were considered as a contributory factor. 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.
Probable cause
It is believed that the approach configuration was wrong. Poor weather conditions were considered as a contributory factor.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
On approach to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, the crew was forced to make a go around due to poor visibility caused by night and bad weather conditions. A second attempt to land was abandoned as well. During the third attempt to land, the captain realized that his position to the runway was wrong and initiated a sharp turn to the left when the aircraft impacted the runway surface and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all 26 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): It is believed that the approach configuration was wrong. Poor weather conditions were considered as a contributory factor.