Preveza - Geilenkirchen

On July 14, 1996 at 12:00 AM, Preveza - Geilenkirchen experienced a crash involving Boeing E-3 Sentry, operated by NATO Airborne Early Warning Force, with the event recorded near Preveza Epirus / <U+0389>pe<U+03B9><U+03C1><U+03BF><U+03C2>.

The flight was categorized as military and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

16 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 16 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 5, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 11, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The aircraft was completing a flight from Preveza to the Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Germany. During the takeoff roll at Preveza-Aktion Airport, after V1 speed, the pilot-in-command heard a loud noise. Thinking this was the consequence of a bird strike, he decided to abandon the takeoff procedure and started an emergency braking manoeuvre. Unable to stop within the remaining distance, the aircraft overran, struck a dyke and came to rest partially submerged in the sea. All 16 occupants escaped uninjured.

Aircraft reference details include registration LX-N90457, MSN 22852, year of manufacture 1984.