Geneva – Amsterdam
Flight / Schedule
Geneva – Amsterdam
Aircraft
Douglas DC-4Registration
PH-TCF
MSN
42996
Year of Manufacture
1946
Date
June 16, 1948 at 06:00 PM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Amsterdam-Schiphol North Holland
Region
Europe • Netherlands
Coordinates
52.3270°, 4.7415°
Crash Cause
Human factor
Narrative Report
On June 16, 1948 at 06:00 PM, Geneva – Amsterdam experienced a crash involving Douglas DC-4, operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, with the event recorded near Amsterdam-Schiphol North Holland.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.
27 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 27 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.
Crew on board: 7, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 20, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is human factor. On final approach to runway 23, while at a height of 500 meters and with an indicated speed of 160 km/h about 500 meters from the runway threshold, the flight engineer reported to the captain that flaps were selected to 3/4 and that the speed was a bit low. The captain did not react and continued the approach in such configuration. Once the aircraft passed over the perimeter road, the captain ordered full flaps and throttle down. The engineer then selected full flaps and slowly retarded the power lever when the aircraft lost height, hit tree tops and hit the ground 175 meters short of the runway threshold. It rolled for several yards and hit a ditch before coming to rest. While all 27 occupants were evacuated safely, the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair due to severe structural damages.
Aircraft reference details include registration PH-TCF, MSN 42996, year of manufacture 1946.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 52.3270°, 4.7415°.
Fatalities
Total
0
Crew
0
Passengers
0
Other
0
Crash Summary
On final approach to runway 23, while at a height of 500 meters and with an indicated speed of 160 km/h about 500 meters from the runway threshold, the flight engineer reported to the captain that flaps were selected to 3/4 and that the speed was a bit low. The captain did not react and continued the approach in such configuration. Once the aircraft passed over the perimeter road, the captain ordered full flaps and throttle down. The engineer then selected full flaps and slowly retarded the power lever when the aircraft lost height, hit tree tops and hit the ground 175 meters short of the runway threshold. It rolled for several yards and hit a ditch before coming to rest. While all 27 occupants were evacuated safely, the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair due to severe structural damages.
Cause: Human factor
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
7
Passengers On Board
20
Estimated Survivors
27
Fatality Rate
0.0%
Known people on board: 27
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Geneva – Amsterdam
Flight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Region / Country
Europe • Netherlands
Aircraft Details
Similar Plane Crashes
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
Fokker F3
While approaching Rotterdam Airport, the pilot was forced to attempt an emergency landing for unknown reasons. Upon landing in a field, the aircraft impacted a drainage ditch and came to rest upside down. All three occupants evacuated safely and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. It was rebuilt with another MSN 1533 and same registration H-NABL.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
De Havilland DH.9
En route, the engine caught fire and the pilot elected to make an emergency landing in Waalhaven, south of Rotterdam. The aircraft crashed and was damaged beyond repair and the pilot escaped unhurt. This was the first official accident involving an aircraft of the Dutch National carrier KLM since its creation in 1919. Crew: H. Wende, pilot.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
Fokker F3
The aircraft departed Rotterdam-Waalhaven Airport at 1214LT and the pilot landed at Calais where it stopped for about 45 minutes for weather improvement. While cruising over The Channel and approaching the English coast, the pilot encountered poor visibility due to fog and low clouds. He continued along the shore and arrived in Hythe, Kent, when the aircraft hit a tree and crashed in a field. All four occupants were rescued and one passenger was slightly injured. At the time of the accident, visibility did not exceed 75 yards. Crew: W. Warnaar, pilot.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
De Havilland DH.9
Following a night takeoff, the aircraft crash landed in a field near Rotterdam-Waalhaven Airport. There were no casualties.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij
Fokker F3
On final approach to Croydon Airport, the engine lost power. The pilot increased power but the airplane continued to lose height then stalled and crashed in a field. On ground, it rolled for few dozen metres before hitting a bank and some concrete posts. While all four occupants were slightly injured, the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The engine and some other parts were later used for another Fokker F3.
Flygkompaniet
FVM S.18
The aircraft, a FVM S.18 operated by the Flygkompaniets Tygverkstäder på Malmen, was to participate in the arrival contest in connection to the International Aviation Fair in Gothenburg, ILUG 23. The heavily loaded aircraft crashed upon arrival in Rotterdam, which was the starting point of the contest. All three crew members were killed. Crew: Hugo Montgomery, pilot, Cpt Liljewalch, observer, Oscar Axelsson, mechanic.