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Crew Descends Below Minimums on Approach to Munich-Riem, Aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair (D-IEWK)

Munich-Riem, GermanyLanding (descent or approach)

On February 5, 1987, a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV (registration D-IEWK) operated by RFG Regionalflug was involved in an aviation accident near Munich-Riem, Germany during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who failed to adhere to published procedures and failed to follow the approach checklist. The crew decided to continue the approach after passing the MDA without establishing visual contact with the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Munich-Riem Airport in poor weather with low clouds and fog, the crew descended below the MDA, striking the runway. The aircraft slid 300 meters on its belly, damaging it beyond repair. All 14 occupants suffered minor injuries.

Accident Description

During an approach to Munich-Riem Airport, the aircraft encountered poor weather conditions characterized by low clouds and fog, resulting in limited visibility. While on final approach, the crew descended below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) until the aircraft struck the runway surface. Upon impact, the undercarriage were torn off, and the aircraft slid on its belly for approximately 300 meters before coming to rest. All 14 occupants escaped with minor injuries, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause and Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who failed to adhere to published procedures and failed to follow the approach checklist. The crew decided to continue the approach after passing the MDA without establishing visual contact with the runway. The following findings were reported:

  • Poor flight preparation
  • Poor approach planning
  • The crew was not properly certified to fly in such conditions
  • Poor visibility (below minimums)
  • The crew failed to initiate a go-around maneuver

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Feb 1987 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident near Munich-Riem, Germany?

On approach to Munich-Riem Airport in poor weather with low clouds and fog, the crew descended below the MDA, striking the runway. The aircraft slid 300 meters on its belly, damaging it beyond repair. All 14 occupants suffered minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Feb 1987 Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Feb 1987 involved a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV, registration D-IEWK, operated by RFG Regionalflug, at Munich-Riem, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who failed to adhere to published procedures and failed to follow the approach checklist. The crew decided to continue the approach after passing the MDA without establishing visual contact with the runway.

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