Belgian Air Force - Force Aérienne Belge - Belgische Luchtmacht

Britten-Norman Islander

The crew was completing a local training flight at Braasschaat AFB. For unknown reasons, the twin engine aircraft landed hard and bounced several times before coming to rest on the runway. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

The aircraft was chartered by the Dutch Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) to fly the Dutch Air Force's brass band from Italy back to the Netherlands. The transport plane arrived at Verona-Villafranca at 13:33. Forty passengers boarded the plane and at 15:04 the Hercules took off from Villafranca for a short flight to Rimini, where it landed at 15:31. Three passengers deplaned at Rimini and the Hercules was back in the air at 15:55 heading for Eindhoven. The Hercules descended into Eindhoven and contacted Eindhoven Tower at 18:00. Eindhoven Tower cleared the flight for the approach: "Okay, you may continue descent for 1000, as number one in traffic, for a direct final course runway 04, QNH 1027." After reported the runway in sight, the Hercules was cleared to land: "610 is cleared to land runway 04, the wind from 360° 10 knots." Possibly as a result of the presence of a large number of birds near the runway, the copilot initiated a go around. Birds were ingested by both left hand engines (n°1 and 2), causing both engines to lose power. For reasons unknown the crew shut down engine n°3 and feathered the propeller. The plane then turned left and crashed off the left side of the runway. Within seconds a fire erupted which was fed by the oxygen from the airplane's oxygen system. Some emergency exits in the main cabin were unreachable because of the fire while other exits could not be opened because of twisting of the fuselage. The fact that there were a large number of passengers on board the plane was not immediately clear tot the fire fighters. It took some 23 minutes before passengers were noted in the main cabin.

Swearingen SA226T Merlin III

The crew was engaged in a local training flight at Lille-Lesquin Airport and was completing several touch-and-go maneuvers. On final approach, just prior to touchdown, the airplane went out of control and crashed onto the runway. It was damaged beyond repair and both pilots were killed. Crew: Jean-Claude Timmermans, student pilot, Étienne Lemmens, instructor.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

While completing a training flight at low height with three paratroopers and a crew of five on board, the airplane struck a hill and crashed. All eight occupants were killed.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

The aircraft departed Brussels-Melsbroek Airport in the morning on a flight to Gütersloh Airbase, Germany. Approaching Augustdorf, the captain decided to reduce his altitude to 2,500 feet to make a reconnaissance of the military training camp of Senne located 7 km south of Augustdorf. At this time, British troops were engaged in local exercices consisting of mortar shell fire. While flying too low, the aircraft was struck by several mortar shell and caught fire. Nine passengers were able to bail out and were later recovered uninjured. Out of control, the airplane went into a dive and crashed in flames, killing all 38 remaining occupants. It was reported few days after this tragic event that the aircraft should never being in this area at this time as it has been previously delimited by the British Troops for scheduled exercices. For unknown reason, the crew failed to follow the minimum safe altitude that was fixed at 10,000 feet over the area that day.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

The airplane left Chièvres Airbase with a second C-119 registered CP-25 for a local combined training exercise. While flying in the vicinity of the airfield, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located in Montignies-lez-Lens, some 6 km east of the airbase. Both aircraft were destroyed and all 13 crew members were killed. Crew CP-23: Cpt Jules Gerard, Cpt Albert Vermeerbergen, Cdt André Bolle, Adj Gilbert Deneef, S/Maj David Vandemeersche Crew CP-25: Sgt José Decaigny, Adj Alfred Donckier, Cpt Yvan Passchiersens, Sgt Camille Bauvois, Adj Gilbert François, Adj Romeo Decot, Sgt Raoul Depoorter, S/Maj Florimont Delroeux.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

The airplane left Chièvres Airbase with a second C-119 registered CP-23 for a local combined training exercise. While flying in the vicinity of the airfield, both aircraft collided and crashed in a field located in Montignies-lez-Lens, some 6 km east of the airbase. Both aircraft were destroyed and all 13 crew members were killed. Crew CP-23: Cpt Jules Gerard, Cpt Albert Vermeerbergen, Cdt André Bolle, Adj Gilbert Deneef, S/Maj David Vandemeersche Crew CP-25: Sgt José Decaigny, Adj Alfred Donckier, Cpt Yvan Passchiersens, Sgt Camille Bauvois, Adj Gilbert François, Adj Romeo Decot, Sgt Raoul Depoorter, S/Maj Florimont Delroeux.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar

An engine failed in flight. Due to the combination of an engine out and a high OAT, the crew was unable to maintain a safe altitude despite full power on the remaining engine. The airplane lost speed and height and eventually stalled before crashing on the slope of a mountain located near Kivu Lake. All three crew members and 36 passengers were killed while four passengers were injured.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The tire on the right main gear burst during takeoff roll. The right main gear collapsed and the aircraft veered off runway to the right before coming to rest. Both pilots were unhurt while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

The approach to Paulis Airport (now Isiro) was completed in high cross winds. On touchdown, the airplane registered K-18 and OT-CWH swerved on runway, veered to the right, lost its right main gear and came to rest. There were no injuries but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

During the takeoff roll, the twin engine aircraft went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. Both pilots were uninjured while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

During the takeoff roll, the left main gear collapsed. The airplane went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest. Both crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

While performing a training flight, the crew was forced to attempt an emergency landing in Braine-l'Alleud. Both occupants were uninjured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

At liftoff, the airplane stalled and crashed onto the runway and came to rest in flames. The flight engineer was killed while five other occupants were injured.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

Crashed in unknown circumstances at Brustem AFB. Crew fate remains unknown.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

Crash landed at Chièvres AFB. There were no injuries but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Avro 652 Anson

Crashed in unknown circumstances in Mechelen. Both pilots were rescued.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. Both pilots were uninjured.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

Landed hard at Kleine-Brogel Airbase, causing the undercarriage to collapse. Both pilots were unhurt but the aircraft was not repaired.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

The crew was performing a local training at Liège-Bierset Airport when on final approach, he was unable to lower the landing gear. The twin engine aircraft belly landed and after a roll of few dozen yards, veered off runway and came to rest. All three crew members were uninjured while the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Bound for Kolwezi, both engines failed simultaneously in flight, forcing the crew to attempt an emergency landing. The airplane crash landed in Lualaba, northeast of Kolwezi and came to rest in a prairie. There were no casualties but the aircraft was written off. It has the dual registration KP-2 & OT-CWB.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

On a flight from Cologne to Brussels, while cruising in poor weather conditions, the twin engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances on Mt Eifel near Lammersdorf. All four occupants were killed. Crew: Sgt Deblon, Sgt Demeyer, Ss/Lt Malcoye, Ss/Lt Balbeur.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

Crashed in a wooded area near Kleine-Brogel AFB while performing a training sortie for the 27 Squadron of the 10th WIng. Source & photo: http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/Airspeed Oxford/Airspeed Oxford O-39.html

De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide

While taxiing, the twin engine went out of control, ground looped and came to rest on its nose. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

Crashed in unknown circumstances.

De Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide

The crew was performing a local training flight when the aircraft crashed on landing for unknown reason. There were no casualties but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair and use for spares.

Airspeed AS.10 Oxford

Crashed in unknown circumstances, killing both crew members. Crew: Maj Martin Wilmots, 1st Lt Hayt. Source & photo: http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/Airspeed Oxford/airspeed_oxford frontpage.htm

Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3)

While cruising in poor weather conditions, the aircraft hit the slope of a mountain located in the region of Dalry. All six occupants were killed.

Breguet 19

Crew was performing a training flight in the region of Liège. After departure from Liège-Bierset Airport, while cruising in bad weather conditions, the single engine aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances near the Bierset-Awans Station. Both pilots were killed. Crew: René Nicolas Jean Wolff, Henry Joanne Paul Delabastita.

Sabca F7

The crew was performing a night training mission over the area of Beverlo, Limburg. En route, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to foggy conditions. While making a turn at low altitude, probably to establish a visual contact with the ground, the left wing hit the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled before coming to rest on its nose in a field. All eight occupants were injured, the pilot seriously. Unfortunately, the pilot, Adj Joseph Massaer, died from his injuries a day later at 2300LT. Crew: Joseph Massaer, pilot, Joseph Lang, copilot. Passengers: Cpt Gobert, Mr. Roël, S/Lt Poppe, Sgt Alexandre en Moreau, Cpl Kinet, Lt Schliegel (Swiss Air Force).

Avro 504

While cruising at an altitude of 3,300 metres, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field. Both pilots were rescued.

De Havilland DH.9

The single engine aircraft crashed in the vicinity of the Goetsenhoven airbase while performing a local training mission. Both pilots Henri Édouard Depasse and Raymond Grosjean were killed.

Ansaldo A.300

The pilot departed Goetsenhoven AFB for a local solo training flight. En route, the engine caught fire. The pilot abandoned the aircraft and bailed out. Out of control, the aircraft dove into the ground and crashed in an open field, setting it ablaze. While the pilot was uninjured, one person on the ground was killed.

Hanriot HD.1

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a local training flight out from Nivelles Aerodrome. While flying at an altitude of about 300 metres, the pilot attempted aerobatics manoeuvres when he lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed in a field. The pilot was killed.

Ansaldo A.300

The pilot Hilaire Louis van Verdeghem was performing a training flight out from Goetsenhoven Airbase, south of Tienen. While completing a turn, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed on the ground. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

De Havilland DH.9

The pilot, sole on board, departed Courtrai-Wevelgem Airport on a training flight. While cruising at an altitude of 400 metres, the engine failed. The pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in a field located in Lauwe. The pilot was injured and the aircraft was destroyed.

Ansaldo A.300

The pilot Paul Mathen was performing a local training flight when the aircraft crashed near the airbase of Goetsenhoven, south of Tienen. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Ansaldo A.300

The pilot Marcel Colman was performing a local training mission out from Goetsenhoven AFB neat Tienen. The accident occurred in unknown circumstances and while the aircraft was destroyed, the pilot was injured.

De Havilland DH.9

The crew was performing a training mission in the vicinity of the Goetsenhoven AFB, south of Tienen. En route, the single engine aircraft went out of control and crashed, killing the pilot Victor Groenen while the second occupant was seriously injured.

De Havilland DH.9

The pilot André Tahon was performing a training mission out from Courtrai-Wevelgem when the aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances. The pilot was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital of Tournai where he died a day later.

De Havilland DH.9

The crew departed Goetsenhoven AFB for a local training flight. En route, the engine caught fire and exploded. The pilot lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed in the courtyard of the workshop 'Le Corps Creux', in Blauwput, in the suburb of Leuven. The pilot was killed while the observer was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. The following day, the survivor died from his injuries. Crew: Alphonse Laplanche, pilot, Joseph Delvenne, observer.

Ansaldo A.300

The crew was engaged in an observation mission over the region of the Goetsenhoven Air Base, near Tienen. While cruising at a height of 3,000 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a beet field. Both crew members were killed. Crew: Gaston Poffe, pilot, Antoine de Villers de Warroux, pilot.

De Havilland DH.9

The pilot, sole on board, was completing a local training sortie at Courtrai-Wevelgem Airport. In flight, the engine caught fire and exploded. The pilot lost control of the airplane that dove into the ground and crashed in a field near the airport. The pilot Alphonse Édouard Segers was killed.

Ansaldo A.300

The pilot Joseph Bauwens was performing a training flight at Goetsenhoven Airbase. The aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances, killing the pilot, sole on board.

De Havilland DH.9

Crashed in Hankendover, near Goetsenhoven Airport, while performing a local training flight. Both crew members were killed.

De Havilland DH.9

The pilot Oscar Dumortier was performing a training mission. On approach to Goetsenhoven AFB located 2 km south of Tienen, the aircraft crashed in an open field located in Outgaarden. The aircraft was destroyed and the pilot killed.

Breguet 14

The pilot was completing a local training flight. Upon landing at Asch-Zutendaal AFB located northeast of Genk, control was lost and the aircraft crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot Cpl Léon Georges Delacenserie was killed.