What happened
In May 2018, two separate fatal accidents involving powered aircraft occurred in the Netherlands. On May 22, a Reims F172N departed Rotterdam The Hague Airport for a proficiency check. While flying near Stolwijk, the aircraft's left wing struck several trees, causing the wing to detach and resulting in a crash that killed both occupants. Shortly after, on May 31, a Piper Pawnee crashed near Breda International Airport. The accident occurred immediately after the aircraft had picked up an advertising banner, resulting in a fire and the death of the solo pilot.
Other notable occurrences included a runway excursion at Breda International Airport on June 15, involving a New Piper PA-28-181, which veered off the runway and through airport fencing. Additionally, a Bombardier DHC8-Q402, registration G-JECP, experienced a landing gear collapse upon touchdown at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol following strong winds and turbulence.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board examined several technical failures and procedural gaps. In an incident involving an LS 4-b glider, investigators found that an air brake lever had detached due to a manufacturer modification that was not installed according to proper instructions. In a separate case involving an ASK 21 glider, the investigation focused on a near-collision with another glider, Orlican Discus CS, which was triggered by FLARM collision warnings.
Regarding a 2016 incident involving a Boeing 737-800, registration PH-HXA, the Board investigated how unexpected turbulence caused injuries to cabin crew members during a flight to Palma de Mallorca. The investigation also looked into a situation where a PH-DHA Aquila AT01 took off with a tow bar still attached to the nose wheel because the pilot's pre-flight inspection was performed too early in the hangar.