Overview
- A small single-engine aircraft crashed into a field near Erkelenz close to the Dutch border and local police confirmed three people were killed.
- Police and rescue units remain at the scene in substantial numbers and have secured the area for investigators.
- The Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung (BFU) has been requested and its investigators are en route to examine the wreckage and collect evidence.
- Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 reported the plane as a Cessna Skyhawk that departed the Netherlands and crossed into Germany, a detail that officials have not yet confirmed.
- Authorities say the cause is unknown, more information will be released later, and formal BFU findings can take weeks to months as evidence is analyzed.