Overview
The Dutch Safety Board's quarterly report for April–June 2018 details several aviation occurrences on or above Dutch territory, as well as incidents abroad with Dutch involvement. The Board's investigations focus on prevention, not culpability.
Fatal Accidents in May 2018
Two powered aircraft accidents with fatal consequences occurred in May. On 22 May, a Reims F172N took off from Rotterdam The Hague Airport for a proficiency check with an experienced pilot and an examiner on board. After exiting the control zone north-eastward, the aircraft entered a low-flying area near Stolwijk, where it hit trees with its left wing, causing the wing to break off. The aircraft crashed into the ground a few hundred meters later, killing both occupants and completely destroying the aircraft.
On 31 May, a Piper Pawnee crashed shortly after picking up an advertising banner at Breda International Airport. The unaccompanied pilot was killed, and the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Glider Incidents
Several glider-related incidents were reported. On 23 April, an LS 4-b experienced unexpected air brake opening during winch launch. The brake operating lever slipped out of lock and later detached, leaving the pilot with limited control. The pilot managed a safe landing. A provisional finding indicated the manufacturer's modification to the air brake lever was not installed in complete accordance with instructions.
On 26 May, a near-collision occurred between an ASK 21 and an Orlican Discus CS near Terlet. The FLARM collision warning systems alerted both aircraft; the Discus pilot banked and climbed to increase separation.
Two near-collisions between a glider and a parachutist near International Airport Teuge were also reported. The Board noted that radio broadcasts before parachute drops lack read-back, making the procedure not watertight.
Other Occurrences
On 15 June, a New Piper PA-28-181 experienced a runway excursion at Breda International Airport. The aircraft left the runway, smashed through fencing, crossed a road, and came to a halt in a meadow. The unaccompanied pilot was unhurt, but the aircraft was severely damaged with full detachment of the right wing.
Incidents abroad with Dutch involvement included a Fokker 100 with a defective radio altimeter on approach to Kununurra Airport (Australia) on 15 May, and another Fokker 100 where flaps 8 were selected instead of flaps 15 during take-off from the same airport. Both incidents were investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Additionally, a 2014 emergency landing of a Fokker 100 near GANLA (Niger) continued to be investigated with Dutch assistance.
A hard landing of a Dutch-registered Ultramagic N-180 hot-air balloon in Schwalmtal (Germany) on 24 June seriously injured one passenger.
Published Report: Cabin Crew Injured Due to Turbulence
The Board published a report on a 23 September 2016 incident involving a Boeing 737-800 (PH-HXA) en route from Amsterdam to Palma de Mallorca. During descent, the aircraft encountered strong hail and heavy turbulence. The 'fasten seatbelts' sign had been activated less than 15 seconds prior. Three stewardesses who had stood up to perform safety checks hit the ceiling and fell, sustaining serious injuries. The conclusion stated that the accident occurred because the cabin crew had not been warned and the seatbelt sign was activated late. Additional factors included rapid thundercloud development and outdated weather briefings.