Overview
The Dutch Safety Board released its Quarterly Aviation Report for the second quarter of 2018, covering April through June. The report includes investigations into multiple accidents and incidents that occurred on or above Dutch territory, as well as occurrences abroad involving Dutch-registered aircraft. Key events include two fatal crashes of powered aircraft, several near-collisions, and mechanical issues with gliders.
Fatal Crash of Reims F172N near Stolwijk
On 22 May 2018, a Reims F172N departed from Rotterdam The Hague Airport around 11:15 for a proficiency check flight. The aircraft carried an experienced pilot and an examiner. After leaving the control zone in a north-easterly direction, it proceeded to a low-flying area near Gouda. While flying low near Stolwijk, the left wing struck a number of trees, causing the wing to separate. The aircraft then crashed into the ground a few hundred meters later. Both occupants were killed, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Fatal Crash of Piper Pawnee during Banner Pickup
On 31 May 2018, a Piper Pawnee aircraft crashed shortly after picking up an advertising banner at Breda International Airport. The pilot, who was alone on board, did not survive. The aircraft caught fire and was totally destroyed. The Dutch Safety Board opened an investigation into both this accident and the Reims F172N crash.
Near-Collisions Involving Gliders and Parachutists
During the quarter, two near-collisions between a glider and a parachutist were reported near International Airport Teuge. The Board noted that while radio broadcasts before parachute drops are useful, the lack of readbacks means the procedure is not completely reliable. It emphasized that pilots in or near drop zones should remain alert to the possibility of parachutists at any time.
Glider Air Brake Incident
On 23 April 2018, during a winch launch of an LS 4-b glider at Larserveld, the air brakes unexpectedly opened multiple times. At about 1,100 meters altitude, the brake operating lever detached with a loud bang, leaving the pilot with limited control. The pilot manually held the remaining tube to manage the brakes and landed without further problems. An investigation found that a modification to the air brake lever, installed on 7 April 2018, had not been fitted in complete accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Near-Collision between Two Gliders
On 26 May 2018, near Terlet, an ASK 21 on a training flight and an Orlican Discus CS nearly collided. The ASK 21 was flying straight at about 1,500 meters when its FLARM collision warning system alerted to the Discus, which was turning left in a thermal at similar altitude. The Discus pilot also received a warning, saw the ASK 21, and maneuvered to increase separation. The club that owns the ASK 21 conducted an investigation, and the Dutch Safety Board is awaiting its results.
Runway Excursion of a Piper PA-28-181
On 15 June 2018, a New Piper PA-28-181 landing on runway 07 at Breda International Airport departed the runway, broke through airport fencing, crossed a road, and came to rest in a low-lying meadow. The unaccompanied pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained severe damage, including full detachment of the right wing.
Occurrences Abroad with Dutch Involvement
Several incidents involving Dutch-registered aircraft occurred abroad and were investigated by foreign authorities, with assistance from the Dutch Safety Board. These include a defective radio altimeter on a Fokker 100 near Kununurra, Australia (15 May 2018); a wrong flap selection during takeoff on another Fokker 100 near Kununurra; an emergency landing of a Fokker 100 near GANLA, Niger (10 May 2014) after loss of radio contact; and a hard landing of an Ultramagic N-180 hot-air balloon in Schwalmtal, Germany (24 June 2018) that seriously injured one passenger.
Published Report on Turbulence Incident
The report also includes findings from a previously published investigation into a 23 September 2016 incident involving a Boeing 737-800 (registration PH-HXA) over the Balearic Sea. During descent into Palma de Mallorca, the aircraft encountered unexpected heavy hail and turbulence. The crew had activated the seatbelt sign only about 15 seconds before the event. Three stewardesses who had stood up to perform safety checks were thrown to the ceiling and fell back, suffering serious injuries. No passengers were hurt, and the aircraft was undamaged. The Board concluded that the cabin crew had not been warned of possible turbulence and were not wearing seat belts. Additional factors included the rapid development of the thundercloud with low reflectivity, and outdated weather information provided to the crew.