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4 fatalities

Training Flight Crashes After Runway Excursion at Cologne-Bonn (D-COCO)

Cologne, GermanyTakeoff (climb)

On June 7, 1993, a Learjet 35 (registration D-COCO) operated by Aero-Dienst - Executive Jet Service was involved in an aviation accident near Cologne, Germany during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Technical analysis did not reveal any mechanical failure on both engines. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered D-COCO
Aircraft registered D-COCO. Photo: André Gerwing / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a training flight, an aircraft veered left during takeoff, rolled beside the runway, then took off but overturned and crashed upside down, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

A crew conducting a training flight (check flight) from Cologne-Bonn Airport to Nuremberg experienced a loss of control during takeoff. As the aircraft accelerated, near V2 speed, it deviated to the left and veered off the runway. The aircraft then rolled beside the runway for approximately 600 meters before returning to the runway. It became airborne but subsequently overturned and crashed upside down, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be identified. Technical analysis of both engines revealed no mechanical failure. It is believed that the crew probably attempted to simulate a failure of the left engine at V1 speed, and the copilot initiated rotation shortly after at Vr speed. The aircraft then went out of control.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Technical analysis did not reveal any mechanical failure on both engines. It is believed that the crew probably attempted to simulate the failure of the left engine at V1 speed and the copilot started the rotation shortly later at Vr speed. The aircraft went out of control.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1993 Learjet 35 accident near Cologne, Germany?

During a training flight, an aircraft veered left during takeoff, rolled beside the runway, then took off but overturned and crashed upside down, bursting into flames. All four occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jun 1993 Learjet 35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1993 involved a Learjet 35, registration D-COCO, operated by Aero-Dienst - Executive Jet Service, at Cologne, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Technical analysis did not reveal any mechanical failure on both engines. It is believed that the crew probably attempted to simulate the failure of the left engine at V1 speed and the copilot started the rotation shortly later at Vr speed. The aircraft went…

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