Approach and Impact
On final approach to runway 23 at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, a four-engine aircraft struck the ground in a flat attitude at a distance of 400 meters from the runway threshold. The approach was conducted in thick fog. The captain had informed the crew that if the ground was not visible at a height of 50 meters, he would divert to Brussels.
Upon impact, the undercarriages were sheared off. The aircraft then crashed and came to rest in flames approximately 300 meters short of the runway threshold.
Occupants and Injuries
All 20 occupants were evacuated safely, with the exception of the stewardess, who was seriously injured by fire. The crew consisted of pilot O. Schüpbach, copilot E. Bill, flight engineer E. Senn, radio operator M. Rüdlinger, and stewardess M. Hutmacher.
Official Findings
The probable cause, as stated by investigators, was that the crew continued an ILS approach in low visibility and passed below the minimum descent altitude without having any visual contact with the ground. It was noted that in such conditions, it would be safer to abandon the approach procedure for a go-around maneuver.