15 fatalities

1953 Brussels-Haren Aircraft Crash (PH-ALF)

Brussels, BelgiumTakeoff (climb)

On July 28, 1937, a Douglas DC-2 (registration PH-ALF) operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij was involved in an aviation accident near Brussels, Belgium during takeoff. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fire erupted in the cabin shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a field near Brages shortly after departing Brussels-Haren, resulting in the deaths of all 15 people on board.

What happened

The incident occurred less than five minutes after departure from Brussels-Haren Airport. While climbing to an altitude of 1,200 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane impacted a wheat field located approximately 300 meters from Brages station and immediately caught fire. The airframe was completely destroyed by the impact forces and the subsequent post-crash fire. All 15 occupants on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

Official investigations determined that a fire started in the cabin shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons. Despite extensive inquiry, authorities were unable to identify the specific ignition source or the exact mechanical failure that led to the loss of control.

Probable cause

A fire erupted in the cabin shortly after takeoff for unknown reasons, leading to an uncontrolled descent and crash.