On August 31, 1980, a Rockwell Aero Commander 500 (registration D-IBUD) operated by Hansa Luftbild (German Air Surveys) was involved in an aviation accident near Münster-Telgte, Germany during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost sufficient speed and altitude to crash because one engine was intentionally shut down and feathered during the initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine airplane crashed approximately 3.5 km from Münster-Telgte Airport during its departure, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board.
What happened
Following a performance at an airshow held at Münster-Telgte Airport, the crew initiated a flight to return to their home base at Münster-Osnabrück Airport. Shortly after departing from Telgte, the twin engine airplane experienced a rapid loss of altitude. The aircraft struck a farm located roughly 3.5 km away from the airfield. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused three fatalities, with no survivors among the crew.
Findings
Official investigations into the accident determined that the loss of altitude occurred during the initial climb phase. It was discovered that the crew shut down one engine and feathered the propeller during this period. While investigators found no mechanical or technical malfunctions within the engine itself, the decision to deactivate an engine during takeoff led to a critical reduction in airspeed and altitude, ultimately causing the crash.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost sufficient speed and altitude to crash because one engine was intentionally shut down and feathered during the initial climb.