Aircraft crash near Oranjestad-Princess Beatrix Airport

3 fatalities • Oranjestad, Dutch Antilles • Takeoff (climb)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-08-26 Grumman S-2 Tracker accident near Oranjestad, Dutch Antilles?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 1966-08-26 Grumman S-2 Tracker accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-08-26 involved a Grumman S-2 Tracker, registration 195, operated by Royal Netherlands Navy - Marineluchtvaartdienst (MLD), at Oranjestad, Dutch Antilles.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

Loading the flight search…