What happened
During the final stages of a scheduled passenger service originating from Schiphol, Amsterdam, an aircraft was performing a standard approach toward its destination. The flight was carrying a total of 20 fatalities, consisting of 15 passengers and 5 crew members. As the aircraft reached approximately one mile from the runway threshold, it began a banked turn to the right.
During this maneuver, the starboard wing tip made contact with the ground. This impact caused the wing to break apart while plowing into the earth, leading to a total loss of control. The aircraft continued its descent, eventually striking a residential area roughly 900 yards before the runway threshold and 200 yards to the right of the extended centerline. The collision destroyed two houses and ignited a significant fire. In the wreckage of one of the homes, a woman and her infant son lost their lives.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the loss of control was a mechanical failure involving a fatigue fracture in a 9/16 inch bolt. This specific component was responsible for securing the bottom of the No. 2 starboard flap unit.