Overview
The Dutch Safety Board published its Quarterly Aviation Report for the second quarter of 2018, covering April to June. The report includes investigations into two fatal accidents involving powered aircraft, a serious injury from turbulence, and several other incidents.
Fatal Accident: Reims F172N near Stolwijk
On 22 May 2018, a Reims F172N departed Rotterdam The Hague Airport at approximately 11:15 for a proficiency check with an experienced pilot and an examiner on board. After exiting the control zone in a northeasterly direction, the aircraft proceeded to a low-flying area near Gouda. While flying over Stolwijk, the left wing struck a number of trees, causing the wing to separate. The aircraft traveled a few hundred meters before crashing into the ground. Both occupants were killed, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Fatal Accident: Piper Pawnee at Breda International Airport
On 31 May 2018, a Piper Pawnee crashed shortly after picking up an advertising banner at Breda International Airport. The aircraft came down a few dozen meters outside the airport boundaries, killing the unaccompanied pilot. The aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed.
Turbulence Incident: Boeing 737-800
A published report details an incident on 23 September 2016 involving a Boeing 737-800 (registration PH-HXA) operating a scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Palma de Mallorca. During descent, the aircraft encountered strong hail and turbulence. The ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign had been activated only shortly before. Three stewardesses who were standing to check seatbelts were thrown to the ceiling and back, sustaining serious injuries. No passengers were injured, and the aircraft remained undamaged. The report concluded that the accident occurred because the cabin crew had not been warned about possible turbulence and the sign was activated late.
Other Notable Occurrences
- LS 4-b glider (Larserveld): On 23 April 2018, during winch launch, the air brake lever detached. The pilot managed to land safely.
- Near-collision between gliders (Terlet): On 26 May 2018, an ASK 21 and an Orlican Discus CS came into proximity, with FLARM warnings issued. No collision occurred.
- New Piper PA-28-181 runway excursion (Breda): On 15 June 2018, an unaccompanied pilot landed on runway 07, veered off, crossed a road, and stopped in a meadow. The pilot was unhurt, but the aircraft was severely damaged.
- Near-collisions between glider and parachutist (Teuge): Two such events were reported in the quarter.
- Fokker 100 incidents abroad: Two incidents in Australia (defective radio altimeter and wrong flap selection) and a 2014 emergency landing in Niger were noted.
- Hot-air balloon hard landing (Germany): On 24 June 2018, an Ultramagic N-180 hard-landed, seriously injuring one passenger.
Investigation Approach
The Dutch Safety Board investigates occurrences involving aircraft on or above Dutch territory, and Dutch aircraft over open sea. Investigations focus on preventing future occurrences and do not address culpability or liability.