Overview
- A single‑engine light aircraft departing Grefrath airfield suffered serious trouble shortly after takeoff and the pilot made an emergency landing on a nearby field to avoid houses.
- The 48‑year‑old pilot guided the plane past residential buildings and brought it down on the field, and all four occupants exited the wreck before emergency crews arrived.
- Three children aged 10, 12 and 15 from Duisburg and the pilot sustained only light injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
- The aircraft was heavily damaged with the engine and a wing separated from the fuselage and witnesses reported calling emergency services after seeing the crash.
- Police and aviation investigators say preliminary findings point to a motor problem, the airfield has been closed for further examination, and officials will inspect the wreckage and flight records to determine the cause.