Zone

Crash of a Cessna 402B in Bischofsheim: 6 killed

Date & Time: Mar 11, 1991 at 0840 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
D-ICLW
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Schedule:
Nordhorn – Hassfurt
MSN:
402B-0859
YOM:
1975
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
6
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was completing a charter flight from Nordhorn to Hassfurt, Bavaria, carrying six passengers and one pilot. After passing the local VOR, the pilot started the descent to Hassfurt-Schweinfurt Airport. In poor visibility due to foggy conditions, the aircraft struck a hill located in Bischofsheim, about 53 km northwest of Hassfurt Airport. A passenger was seriously injured while six other occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the pilot initiated the approach prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum safe altitude. At the time of the accident, the visibility was poor due to fog.

Crash of a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 Turbo Porter in Hassfurt: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 17, 1989
Operator:
Registration:
D-FFBZ
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Hassfurt - Hassfurt
MSN:
857
YOM:
1989
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
7
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Aircraft flight hours:
47
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft departed Hassfurt for a local skydiving mission. After the pilot leveled off at the assigned altitude, the first skydiver jumped out of the cabin. For unknown reasons, he struck the tail, causing severe vibrations. As the pilot was unable to maintain the aircraft control, all occupants jumped out and the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. During the dive, the left wing separated due to excessive g-loads and the aircraft eventually crashed in an open field. Seven people were rescued, among them three were seriously injured. One skydiver was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.