Savoia-Marchetti SM.73 accident at Soest, Germany, 10 Oct 1938 (OO-AGT)
On October 10, 1938, a Savoia-Marchetti SM.73 (registration OO-AGT) operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne was involved in an aviation accident near Soest, Germany in flight. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. There was speculation that a propeller may have broken, tearing loose an engine, or that the pilot may have attempted a sudden pullout from a rapid descent, the manoeuvre over stressing… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. There was speculation that a propeller may have broken, tearing loose an engine, or that the pilot may have attempted a sudden pullout from a rapid descent, the manoeuvre over stressing a wing and causing its failure.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
On the leg from Düsseldorf to Berlin, while cruising at an altitude of 5,000 feet in fog and rain, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed in an open field. All 20 occupants were killed. Crew: Joseph Vanden Eynde, pilot, André Edmond Moulin, copilot, Josef Baus, radio operator, Charles Deleusse, engineer. Passengers: Friedrich Luther, Ernst Maurach, Walter Kappes, Mrs. Walter Kappes and three children, Paul Ullmann +8.
Probable cause (official findings): Investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. There was speculation that a propeller may have broken, tearing loose an engine, or that the pilot may have attempted a sudden pullout from a rapid descent, the manoeuvre over stressing a wing and causing its failure.