1 fatality

1995-07-30: Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (PH-MEN) — Turdus Airways — Spa-La Sauvenière, Belgium

Spa-La Sauvenière, BelgiumLanding (descent or approach)

On July 30, 1995, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration PH-MEN) operated by Turdus Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Spa-La Sauvenière, Belgium during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Cessna was on final approach to runway 05 when it was struck on the right side by the PC-6, whose pilot was performing a non standard approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781207817Data APIEditorial standards

A PC-6 returning to Spa-La Sauvenière after dropping skydivers collided on final approach with a Cessna 172 (OO-SIW). Both aircraft crashed; the PC-6 pilot was killed, and all four occupants of the Cessna were injured.

Incident Details

On the day of the accident, a single-engine airplane departed Spa-La Sauvenière Aerodrome with eight skydivers and one pilot on board. After all passengers bailed out, the pilot returned to base. On final approach to runway 05, the airplane collided with a private Cessna 172 registered OO-SIW. With three passengers and one pilot on board, the Cessna was also completing an approach to runway 05.

Collision and Aftermath

Following the collision, both airplanes went out of control and crashed near the airfield. The Cessna 172 was damaged beyond repair, and the PC-6 was destroyed by a post-crash fire. All four people on board the Cessna were injured, while the pilot of the PC-6 was killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause: The Cessna was on final approach to runway 05 when it was struck on the right side by the PC-6, whose pilot was performing a non-standard approach.