Fatal aircraft crash during sightseeing flight near Budapest

30 fatalities • Budapest, Hungary • Flight

A sightseeing flight over Budapest ended in a fatal collision with a building during descent, resulting in 30 total fatalities.

What happened

During a local sightseeing excursion over the city of Budapest, an aircraft was performing its descent toward Ferihegy Airport. During this phase of flight, the plane struck a building, which led to the immediate destruction of the airframe due to the force of the impact and a subsequent fire. The accident resulted in the deaths of 27 occupants on board the aircraft and 3 people located on the ground.

Findings

An investigation into the crash concluded that the accident was the result of crew carelessness. According to the official commission, the pilots were accompanied by two passengers who were friends of the crew throughout the duration of the flight. The investigation revealed that the pilots engaged in several unauthorized maneuvers during the flight. During one particularly aggressive turn, the crew lost control of the aircraft, leading to the fatal impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew performing unauthorized maneuvers and losing control of the aircraft during a sharp turn.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-08-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Budapest, Hungary?

A sightseeing flight over Budapest ended in a fatal collision with a building during descent, resulting in 30 total fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-08-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 30 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-08-06 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration HA-TSA, operated by Malév Hungarian Airlines - Magyar Légiközlekedési Vallalat, at Budapest, Hungary.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew performing unauthorized maneuvers and losing control of the aircraft during a sharp turn.

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