What happened
In May 2018, two separate fatal accidents involving powered aircraft occurred in the Netherlands. The first involved a Reims F172N that 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 the aircraft to crash, resulting in two fatalities.
In a second fatal event on May 31, 2018, a Piper Pawnee crashed near Breda International Airport shortly after successfully picking up an advertising banner. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire and be destroyed, killing the unaccompanied pilot.
Other notable incidents included a runway excursion at Breda International Airport involving a New Piper PA-28-181, which veered off the runway and through airport fencing, and a landing gear collapse of a Bombardier DHC8-Q402, registration G-JECP, at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board examined various technical failures and operational procedures. In the case of the G-JECP landing gear collapse, investigators determined that a bent yoke prevented the gear from being fully locked. In the case of an LS 4-b glider incident, the board found that a manufacturer-issued modification to the air brake lever had been installed incorrectly. Regarding a near-collision at Teuge, the board reviewed the effectiveness of radio broadcasts for notifying pilots of parachutist drops.
Findings
- The Reims F172N accident was caused by the impact with trees during low-level flight.
- The LS 4-b glider experienced an air brake failure because the modification was not installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- The G-JECP landing gear failure was attributed to a bent yoke preventing the gear from locking.
- In a separate incident involving an Aquila AT01, registration PH-DHA, the pilot took off with a tow bar still attached to the nose wheel because the walk-around inspection was performed too early and was not visible from the cockpit.