A 67-year-old pilot from Roosendaal died on Tuesday morning when his light aircraft crashed next to the A58 motorway. The plane, a Reims-Cessna F172P Skyhawk II, hit the ground between Ritthem and Middelburg. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 08:30 following reports from several motorists. According to witnesses, the aircraft appeared to fall “steeply” from the sky before impact.
The pilot had departed from Midden Zeeland Airport only fourteen minutes prior to the crash. During the flight, residents heard a high-pitched noise that one witness compared to a racing car. Furthermore, flight tracking data shows the plane performed several manoeuvres over Vlissingen and Nieuwdorp. Consequently, the aircraft began a sudden and rapid descent. Although the impact shattered the wreckage into multiple pieces, no fire occurred at the site.
Police later confirmed the pilot was the only person on board. However, investigators are now exploring the possibility that the crash was deliberate. While they have not ruled out mechanical failure, a police spokesperson stated that current evidence suggests an intentional act.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has sent three investigators to conduct a formal inquiry. Despite the large emergency presence and the arrival of two trauma helicopters, traffic on the A58 continued to flow normally throughout the morning.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
