Fatal crash of twin-engine aircraft near Münster-Telgte Airport

3 fatalities • Münster-Telgte, Germany • Takeoff (climb)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1980-08-31 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident near Münster-Telgte, Germany?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 1980-08-31 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1980-08-31 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 500, registration D-IBUD, operated by Hansa Luftbild (German Air Surveys), at Münster-Telgte, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft lost sufficient speed and altitude to crash because one engine was intentionally shut down and feathered during the initial climb.

Loading the flight search…