Accident Overview
On a scheduled flight from Dusseldorf, Germany, to New York via Reykjavik, the aircraft crashed into buildings within city limits shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was carrying ten occupants—seven crew members and three passengers. The first leg of the trip was to be piloted by one crew, with a relief crew taking over for the flight to New York.
Sequence of Events
Takeoff from Dusseldorf at 0700 hours proceeded normally until the aircraft became airborne. Immediately after becoming airborne and following retraction of the landing gear, the No. 1 engine was cut off and its propeller feathered. Subsequently, the No. 2 engine was also cut off and its propeller feathered. During this process, the flaps were immediately and fully retracted.
The aircraft had attained an altitude of approximately 50 meters when it dropped sharply, lost altitude, and crashed at 0703 hours. Upon impact, the wreckage was completely destroyed by fire.
Casualties and Injuries
Six of the aircraft's occupants were killed instantly, and the other four were seriously injured. On the ground, one person was killed and two others were seriously injured.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. According to the findings, the accident was caused by the intentional creation of an emergency situation on take-off for a long-distance flight: first No. 1 engine was cut off and its propeller feathered, then No. 2 engine was also stopped and its propeller feathered. In addition, the flaps were immediately and fully retracted at low altitude. Such action by the pilot-in-command during take-off immediately after the aircraft became airborne, with a view to testing a crew member, caused the aircraft to crash. The piloting technique was not consistent with the safety requirements and operating instructions as prescribed by the Directorate of Civil Aviation.