Aircraft accident near Moorsele during approach

3 fatalities • Moorsele, Belgium • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine airplane crashed during a low-altitude maneuver while approaching runway 22 in Moorsele, resulting in three fatalities.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from London-Gatwick Airport on a visual flight rules (VFR) mission destined for Moorsele. The flight was operated with a crew of one pilot and two passengers on board.

While performing the final approach to runway 22, the pilot conducted two low passes over the airfield. Following the completion of the second pass, at an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the pilot executed a sharp left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the twin engine airplane experienced a stall and the nose pitched downward. The aircraft subsequently crashed roughly 250 meters from the runway threshold, where it caught fire. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and three fatalities.

Findings

Investigation into the crash suggests that the accident was triggered by an improper control maneuver. While the pilot was attempting a steep turn at a very low altitude, the aircraft entered a stall and transitioned into a spin. Due to the minimal height maintained during the maneuver, there was insufficient time or altitude for the crew to recover the aircraft from its descent.

Probable cause

The accident resulted from an inappropriate banking maneuver that induced a stall and spin at an altitude too low for recovery.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1970-07-10 Rockwell Grand Commander 680 accident near Moorsele, Belgium?

A twin-engine airplane crashed during a low-altitude maneuver while approaching runway 22 in Moorsele, resulting in three fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1970-07-10 Rockwell Grand Commander 680 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1970-07-10 involved a Rockwell Grand Commander 680, registration OO-MOL, operated by Gebroeders Mol, at Moorsele, Belgium.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted from an inappropriate banking maneuver that induced a stall and spin at an altitude too low for recovery.

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