Casualties unknown

2018-05-21: — Tow bar not removed, De Kooy Airfield, 21 May 2018, NL

Tow bar not removed, De Kooy Airfield, 21 May 2018, NL

On May 21, 2018, an aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Tow bar not removed, De Kooy Airfield, 21 May 2018, NL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred as the cabin crew had not been warned about possible turbulence and the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign had only been activated shortly before. This summary draws on records from the Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid).

Sourcesthe Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid)Primary reportUpdated 1785065559Data APIEditorial standards

The report covers two fatal accidents in May 2018, a glider air brake detachment, near-collisions, a runway excursion, and incidents abroad involving Dutch-registered aircraft.

Overview

The Dutch Safety Board's quarterly report for April–June 2018 summarizes investigations into aviation occurrences on or above Dutch territory and involving Dutch aircraft.

Accidents

Stolwijk – Reims F172N

On 22 May 2018, a Reims F172N took off from Rotterdam The Hague Airport for a proficiency check with two occupants. After exiting the control zone, it entered a low-flying area near Gouda. Near Stolwijk, the left wing struck trees, detaching the wing, and the aircraft crashed. Both occupants were killed; the aircraft was destroyed. Classification: Accident.

Breda – Piper Pawnee

On 31 May 2018, a Piper Pawnee crashed shortly after picking up an advertising banner at Breda International Airport, killing the unaccompanied pilot. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Classification: Accident.

Breda – New Piper PA-28-181 Runway Excursion

On 15 June 2018, a New Piper PA-28-181 ran off runway 07 during landing, crashed through fencing, crossed a road, and came to rest in a meadow. The pilot was unhurt. The right wing detached completely; aircraft severely damaged. Classification: Accident.

Incidents

LS 4-b Air Brake Lever Detachment

On 23 April 2018, during a winch launch at Larserveld, the glider's air brakes unexpectedly opened. The operating lever slipped out of lock and later detached completely. The pilot held the remaining tube and landed without further issues. A provisional finding indicated the manufacturer's modification was not installed per instructions. Classification: Incident.

Near-Collisions at Teuge

Two near-collisions between a glider and parachutist near International Airport Teuge were reported. The Board noted that radio broadcasts before parachute drops lack read-back, making procedures not watertight.

Near-Collision of Gliders near Terlet

On 26 May 2018, an ASK 21 and a Discus CS narrowly avoided collision. FLARM warnings prompted evasive action. The club's safety manager investigated; the Board awaits results. Classification: Serious incident.

Occurrences Abroad with Dutch Involvement

Several incidents involving Fokker 100 aircraft and a hot-air balloon were investigated by foreign authorities with Dutch Safety Board assistance. These include a defective radio altimeter near Kununurra, wrong flap selection on takeoff, an emergency landing near GANLA in 2014, and a hard landing of a hot-air balloon in Germany resulting in serious injury to one passenger.

Published Reports

The report includes a published analysis of a 2016 turbulence event on a Boeing 737-800 (PH-HXA) near Palma de Mallorca. The crew encountered rapid thunderstorm development; three stewardesses were seriously injured when they stood up after the 'fasten seatbelts' sign was activated. The crew had not received updated weather briefings. The Board concluded that the cabin crew had not been warned about possible turbulence and the sign was activated only shortly before.

Probable cause

The accident occurred as the cabin crew had not been warned about possible turbulence and the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign had only been activated shortly before.