2 fatalities

Single-engine aircraft crash at Schiphol due to rearward CG (OE-DVH)

Amsterdam-Schiphol, NetherlandsLanding (descent or approach)

On June 3, 1936, a Miles M.3B Falcon Major (registration OE-DVH) operated by Private Austria was involved in an aviation accident near Amsterdam-Schiphol, Netherlands during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred because the aircraft's center of gravity was excessively rearward, exceeding the limit by nearly 30%, leading to a stall during approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft stalled during approach to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, spiraling into the ground and killing both occupants. The investigation indicated a significantly rearward center of gravity.

What happened

During the final approach phase to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, the single-engine aircraft encountered a critical aerodynamic failure. At an altitude estimated between 100 and 300 meters, the airframe entered a stall condition. This loss of lift caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled spiral descent toward the terrain.

The impact with the ground resulted in the total destruction of the airframe due to the forces involved. Both individuals on board were killed in the accident. The occupants included the pilot and a passenger, who was a well-known figure in aviation history.

Findings

Official investigation findings pointed to an issue with the aircraft's weight and balance configuration as the primary factor. It appears that the center of gravity was located outside the permissible limits at the time of the incident. Specifically, the center of gravity was positioned nearly 30% further aft than the maximum allowed envelope, which likely contributed to the stall characteristics during approach.

Probable cause

The accident occurred because the aircraft's center of gravity was excessively rearward, exceeding the limit by nearly 30%, leading to a stall during approach.