Training Accident Involving Diamond DA42 During Deep Stall Maneuver

Casualties unknown • Accident on Ängsö involving a Diamond DA42, SE LVR, SE

A Diamond DA42 entered an unrecoverable spin during a high-risk training maneuver near Västerås Airport, resulting in serious injuries to three occupants.

What happened

During a training flight at Västerås Airport, a Diamond DA42 was performing a specialized flight exercise involving approaches and single-engine operations. The flight, which took place at night under instrument meteorological conditions with forecasted icing, included a demonstration of a "deep stall" maneuver.

To execute the maneuver, the aircraft was placed into a steep climb with a significant bank. While the instructor reported a pitch attitude of 25–30 degrees, flight data and student testimony indicated a much more aggressive nose-up attitude of at least 50 degrees. As the aircraft approached stall speed, the control column was pulled fully aft. This caused the aircraft to roll to the left and enter a spin at approximately 4,500 feet.

Despite the instructor's attempts to recover the aircraft by modulating engine power, the spin continued for over 30 seconds. The aircraft descended at an initial rate of approximately 52 m/s before slowing to 19 m/s prior to impact. The aircraft crashed into a wooded area near Ängsjö Church, where the wreckage was destroyed. During the impact, a tree trunk pierced the fuselage, ejecting the student in the rear seat. The two occupants in the front seats sustained serious injuries, while the rear passenger also suffered serious injuries but survived.

The investigation

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) analyzed flight data recorders, radar information, and witness statements. The investigation established that the maneuver performed—specifically the high-pitch attitude and subsequent stall—constituted a form of aerobatic flying that is prohibited by the aircraft's approved flight manual.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the inherent high risk of the specific training exercise being performed.
  • The training exercise was poorly planned, specifically regarding the lack of procedures for managing the resulting hazardous situations.
  • There was a lack of regulatory guidance from authorities concerning the practical execution of such high-risk maneuvers in flight training.

Safety action

  • EASA is recommended to identify specific flight training exercises that carry increased risk factors and to provide guidance material for their safe practical execution.

Probable cause

The accident was driven by the high-risk nature of the deep stall maneuver, inadequate planning for managing the resulting hazards, and a lack of regulatory guidance for executing such exercises.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-01-22 aircraft accident near Accident on Ängsö involving a Diamond DA42, SE LVR, SE?

A Diamond DA42 entered an unrecoverable spin during a high-risk training maneuver near Västerås Airport, resulting in serious injuries to three occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-01-22 involved a aircraft, at Accident on Ängsö involving a Diamond DA42, SE LVR, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was driven by the high-risk nature of the deep stall maneuver, inadequate planning for managing the resulting hazards, and a lack of regulatory guidance for executing such exercises.

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