Aircraft crash in Spessart Mountain Range

10 fatalities • Lohr am Main, Germany • Flight

A military transport aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Lohr am Main during a flight between two airbases, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a mission traveling from Wunstorf AFB to Kaufbeuren AFB, an aircraft carrying a total of ten people—consisting of five technicians and five crew members—encountered difficult flying conditions. While operating in poor weather, the aircraft was cruising through the Spessart Mountain Range near Lohr am Main when it collided with trees. The impact occurred in a heavily wooded region, leading to the total destruction of the aircraft. There were 10 fatalities among the occupants.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicated that the crew was operating in adverse weather conditions at the time of the impact. The primary factor in the crash was that the altitude maintained by the aircraft was insufficient to clear the terrain, a situation that went unnoticed by the crew during the flight.

Probable cause

The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude above the terrain while flying in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-05-11 Transall C-160 accident near Lohr am Main, Germany?

A military transport aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Lohr am Main during a flight between two airbases, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-05-11 Transall C-160 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-05-11 involved a Transall C-160, registration 50+39, operated by German Air Force - Deutsche Luftwaffe, at Lohr am Main, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew failed to maintain a safe altitude above the terrain while flying in poor weather conditions.

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