What happened
On 1 June 2009, a private flight was conducted near the Uddevalla Rörkärr airfield in Västra Götaland, Sweden. The pilot had undertaken the unplanned mission to search for an injured roe deer reported in the area. After taking off from runway 21, the pilot flew at a low altitude and low speed along a nearby brook.
Witnesses observed the aircraft climb briefly before it turned sharply to the left. The aircraft then entered a descending turn and struck the ground at a steep angle near the edge of a brook. The impact was severe, leaving the aircraft upside down and completely destroyed. The pilot sustained extensive injuries and passed away at the hospital later that day.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the wreckage and the engine of the Cessna F 172 H, registration SE-GUP. Technical inspections of the engine and ignition systems revealed no mechanical failures or malfunctions. While the magneto selector was found in the left position, investigators determined that running on a single ignition system did not significantly contribute to the accident.
Investigators also reviewed the aircraft''s configuration at the time of impact. The wing flaps were found to be in the fully extended position (40 degrees). The investigation also looked into the pilot's use of safety restraints, noting that while the lap belt was used, the shoulder strap was not fastened.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating at a low altitude and low airspeed.
- The wing flaps were set to the maximum downward position.
- The aircraft speed dropped below the stall speed due to the full extension of the flaps, triggering a spin.
- The altitude was insufficient to recover from the developing spin before ground impact.
- The pilot was not utilizing the shoulder harness, which may have contributed to the severity of the head injuries sustained during the impact.