Investigation Summary
The flight was operating the second leg of a scheduled international service from Cologne to London via Brussels. After departing Haren Airport in Brussels 20 minutes behind schedule, the crew encountered significant fog over the Belgian countryside. To maintain visual contact with the ground, the pilot descended to an altitude of roughly 250 feet (76 meters). Due to the poor visibility, the aircraft had deviated approximately 15 km (9 miles) from its prescribed flight path. The Belradio station at Ruysselede featured several massive radio masts, the tallest of which reached 870 feet (270 meters). Although the masts were reportedly illuminated, the thick fog obscured the structures and their supporting guy wires. The aircraft struck one of these wires, causing immediate structural failure of the wing and demolishing the top of the mast. The subsequent crash and fuel explosion prevented rescuers from saving at least one passenger who was initially seen alive in the wreckage. The investigation by Belgian and British authorities concluded the accident was a result of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) precipitated by the decision to fly at low altitude in poor visibility.
Final Conclusions
The investigation, conducted by Belgian authorities with assistance from the British Accidents Investigation Branch, attributed the crash to pilot error. The primary factor was the decision to continue flight at an extremely low altitude in conditions of dense fog, which led to the accidental collision with the radio mast infrastructure.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
Radio Mast Guy Wires
High-tension cables used to stabilize the 870-foot tall Belradio masts; the aircraft's wing struck one of these wires, leading to immediate structural failure.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was named 'Apollo', had the manufacturer serial number (MSN) 528, and had previously served with the Iraq Petroleum Transport Co.
- 02The fatalities included seven British, two Dutch, and one Polish national.
- 03The radio mast involved was 870 feet (270 meters) tall and was illuminated at the time of the accident.
- 04The impact demolished the top section of the radio mast.
- 05Four rescuers and twelve villagers attempted to save the occupants; one rescuer, Camille van Hove, was later awarded the Civic Cross (1st Class) for his bravery.
- 06All 10 people on board (8 passengers and 2 crew) perished in the accident.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Rescuer Recognition
King Albert I awarded the Civic Cross (1st Class) to Camille van Hove for his attempts to rescue victims despite sustaining serious burns.