What happened
In May 2018, two separate accidents involving powered aircraft resulted in fatalities within the Netherlands. On May 22, 2018, a Reims F172N departed from Rotterdam The Hague Airport for a proficiency check involving an examiner and an experienced pilot. While flying in the low-flying area near Stolwijk, the aircraft's left wing struck several trees. The impact caused the wing to detach, leading the aircraft to crash into the ground. Both occupants were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.
On May 31, 2018, a Piper Pawnee was operating at Breda International Airport. Shortly after successfully picking up an advertising banner, the aircraft crashed just outside the airport boundaries. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire and be completely destroyed. The pilot, who was flying solo, was killed in the accident.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) launched investigations into both fatal crashes to identify the causes and prevent future occurrences. The investigation into the Reims F172N focused on the flight path and the sequence of events leading to the collision with the trees during the proficiency check. For the Piper Pawnee accident, the board examined the aircraft's maneuvers immediately following the banner pickup and the subsequent impact near the airfield.