Incident Overview
Description
A KLM Douglas DC-3 crashed following a loss of control while on approach to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, Netherlands , killing all 26 occupants. A Douglas C-47A, operating a passenger service from London-Croydon Airport, crashed while on final approach to Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, killing all 26 on board. Visibility at Schiphol Airport was limited due to fog. The captain circled the airport three times without acquiring visual contact with the ground. He likely then observed the runway and airport lights. Not being lined up with runway 23, the pilot made a steep left-hand turn. The aircraft then struck the ground in a 65ø pitch and 45ø left hand bank attitude. Flight testing of the DC-3 aircraft had shown it was vulnerable during low speed steep turns, as the aircraft could enter an asymmetrical stall. It was a.o. concluded that the captain was not sufficiently familiar with the specific flight characteristics of the DC-3 during low speed turns. Also, the captain was not sufficiently proficient in carrying out approaches and landings in the given weather circumstances.
Primary Cause
Insufficient familiarity with low-speed steep turn flight characteristics and inadequate proficiency in approach and landing procedures under the specific weather conditions.Insufficient familiarity with low-speed steep turn flight characteristics and inadequate proficiency in approach and landing procedures under the specific weather conditions.Share on:
