What happened
On June 8, 2000, two Beechcraft Bonanza A36 aircraft, both operated by the KLM Luchtvaartschool (KLS), were involved in a fatal mid-air collision near Smilde, Netherlands. The aircraft, registered as PH-BWC and PH-BWD, were operating in uncontrolled airspace after departing from Groningen Airport Eelde.
During what was an unauthorized formation flight, the pilot of PH-BWD initiated a climbing left turn. The pilot of PH-BWC was unable to react adequately to this maneuver, leading to a direct collision. The impact caused PH-BWC to become uncontrollable, resulting in a steep descent. The collision resulted in 3 fatalities among the occupants of PH-BWC. Following the impact, the instructor in PH-BWD performed an emergency landing, during which 2 occupants sustained serious injuries. Both aircraft were destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) examined the circumstances leading to the collision, focusing on the flight preparations, the execution of the maneuvers, and the organizational environment of the flight school. The investigation looked into the flight paths of both aircraft and the reconstruction of the collision sequence.
Furthermore, the investigators reviewed the management and safety culture of the KLM Luchtveringsschool, including the role of its owner, KLM, and the oversight provided by the national aviation authority (the then RLD). The inquiry also assessed the training and qualification standards for instructors and the adherence to the standard training syllabus.