Dutch authorities have yet to present any proof indicating the airline's suspected role in the accident, as per the Commission's observation.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has issued an apology letter regarding an incident that occurred on January 24, 2018, near the Nordhorn Range. The incident involved combat aircraft from the Netherlands flying at an unusually low altitude during a training exercise, causing concern among the residents of Klausheide.
In the apology letter, titled 'Entschuldigungsschreiben Niederländische Luftwaffe bzgl. 24.01.2018' and available for download online, the RNLAF acknowledges the low-altitude flight as an error. The letter, which is approximately 1 MB in size, is written in German and addresses the residents of Klausheide directly.
The apology letter is a response to complaints from the residents of Klausheide about the incident. The RNLAF explains that during the training exercises, operational leadership and communication responsibilities were handled by separate individuals. As a result, a different commander was assigned for the January 2018 exercises at the Nordhorn Range. This commander, who is more directly involved in community relations, issued the apology to the residents of Klausheide.
The RNLAF acknowledges the inconvenience and distress caused by the low-altitude flight and expresses its regret for any disruption it may have caused. The letter can be downloaded online for those who wish to read it in more detail.
The RNLAF takes the concerns of its neighbours seriously and is committed to conducting its training exercises in a manner that minimises disturbance to local communities. The incident serves as a reminder for the RNLAF to continually review and improve its procedures to ensure the safety and comfort of those living near its training areas.
