No fatalities

Emergency Landing Near Ruigenhoek AFB Following Engine Failure (853)

Ruigenhoek AFB, NetherlandsLanding (descent or approach)

On May 10, 1940, a Fokker T-V (registration 853) operated by Royal Netherlands Air Force - Luchtvaartbrigade (1913-1953) was involved in an aviation accident near Ruigenhoek AFB, Netherlands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure in flight. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft diverted to Ruigenhoek Air Base after an engine failure but was forced to make an emergency landing nearby. All five crew members evacuated safely, though the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

The flight departed Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport at 0350 local time with a total of five individuals on board. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot initiated a diversion procedure toward Ruigenhoek Air Force Base. However, the situation deteriorated, preventing a standard approach to the runway. Consequently, the crew was compelled to attempt an emergency landing in the vicinity of the airbase rather than on the paved surface.

The impact resulted in significant structural damage, rendering the aircraft beyond repair. Despite the severity of the crash, all five occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage safely without sustaining injuries.

Findings

Official investigations identified the primary cause of the incident as an engine failure occurring during flight. This mechanical malfunction necessitated the emergency landing and led to the total loss of the airframe.

Probable cause

Engine failure in flight