3 fatalities

1966-08-26: Grumman S-2 Tracker (195) — Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD) — Oranjestad, Dutch Antilles

Oranjestad, Dutch AntillesTakeoff (climb)

On August 26, 1966, a Grumman S-2 Tracker (registration 195) operated by Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD) was involved in an aviation accident near Oranjestad, Dutch Antilles during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude during its initial climb phase. 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 1781240819Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a tree and residential area shortly after takeoff from Aruba, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

During the morning departure from Oranjeward-Princess Beatrix Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced significant issues maintaining altitude during its initial climb. While attempting to gain height, the plane made contact with a kiwi tree before descending into an area near residential houses.

The accident resulted in a total of three fatalities and two initial injuries among the crew members. Although two individuals survived the impact, one of the survivors later succumbed to their injuries at a later time.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered difficulty gaining altitude during the early stages of flight.
  • The sequence of events involved an impact with vegetation followed by a crash into a populated area.

Probable cause

The aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude during its initial climb phase.