Aircraft ground impact during missed approach at Frankfurt-Main

No fatalities • Frankfurt-Main, Germany • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter flight traveling from Berlin to Frankfurt-Main struck the ground near runway 25 during a missed ILS approach in low visibility.

What happened

On the evening of the accident, a charter flight operating from Berlin toward Frankfurt-Main was conducting its final approach. The aircraft was carrying a total of 15 people, including a pilot-in-command, a co-pilot, two flight attendants, 11 passengers, and one child.

As the flight reached its destination, the crew attempted an ILS approach under conditions of poor visibility. During the execution of a missed approach, the aircraft type (unspecified) made contact with the terrain adjacent to runway 25. The impact caused significant damage to the airframe as it continued to move before coming to a halt. There were two injuries reported among the 15 occupants, while no fatalities occurred.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the pilot-in-command descended below the required critical height during the approach. This maneuver took place while surface visibility was insufficient for safe operations. A significant contributing factor identified in the investigation was erroneous and misleading assistance provided by the co-pilot to the pilot-in-command at a crucial moment during the descent.

Probable cause

The aircraft flew below the minimum safety altitude during an ILS approach in low visibility, exacerbated by incorrect navigational assistance from the co-pilot.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-10-30 Vickers Viscount accident near Frankfurt-Main, Germany?

A charter flight traveling from Berlin to Frankfurt-Main struck the ground near runway 25 during a missed ILS approach in low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-10-30 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-10-30 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration G-AODH, operated by British United Airways - BUA, at Frankfurt-Main, Germany.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft flew below the minimum safety altitude during an ILS approach in low visibility, exacerbated by incorrect navigational assistance from the co-pilot.

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