Seaplane Capsizes on Lake Vättern After Water Rudders Left Down

Casualties unknown • Accident with a seaplane, model Cessna TU206G, when landing on the Lake Vättern, SE

A Cessna TU206G capsized on Lake Vättern during a flight exercise, resulting in one fatality and highlighting risks associated with water rudder positioning.

What happened

On June 14, 2014, a Cessna TU206G seaplane, registration N5411Z, was conducting water landing practice on Lake Vättern, Sweden. Following a landing near Visingsö, the crew encountered rough sea conditions with waves reaching up to 1.5 meters. Due to the weather, the pilots decided to cease flying operations and prepared to drift toward the island of Visingsö.

To facilitate drifting backward toward land, the engine was shut off. However, the aircraft's water rudders had been left in the downward position. This configuration caused the aircraft to catch the wind, turn sideways across the waves, and eventually capsize. Both the commander and the co-pilot managed to exit the overturned aircraft. While the co-pilot was able to swim to shore and eventually alert emergency services, the commander tragically succumbed to drowning.

The investigation

The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the mechanical state of the aircraft, the weather conditions, and the rescue operation. The investigation revealed that the aircraft lacked a specific placard instructing pilots to keep the water rudders up during water taxiing.

Investigators also scrutinized the rescue efforts. The alert to emergency services was delayed by over two hours because the co-pilot had to swim to land to find a telephone. Furthermore, the SHK noted that the rescue operation was terminated by the JRCC after approximately 4.5 hours, despite survival models suggesting a much longer window of possibility. The investigation also highlighted that the commander's life vest was a dark blue sailing type, which made him extremely difficult to spot against the water.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the water rudders remaining lowered after the engine was shut off, which allowed the wind to turn the aircraft broadside to the waves.
  • The aircraft lacked a warning placard regarding the required position of the water rudders.
  • The commander's dark blue life vest lacked high visibility and was difficult to locate in the lake.
  • There were delays in both the initial emergency notification and the conclusion of the air rescue search.

Probable cause

The aircraft capsized because the water rudders were left in the down position while the engine was shut off, causing the plane to turn sideways into the wind and waves.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-06-14 aircraft accident near Accident with a seaplane, model Cessna TU206G, when landing on the Lake Vättern, SE?

A Cessna TU206G capsized on Lake Vättern during a flight exercise, resulting in one fatality and highlighting risks associated with water rudder positioning.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-06-14 involved a aircraft, at Accident with a seaplane, model Cessna TU206G, when landing on the Lake Vättern, SE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft capsized because the water rudders were left in the down position while the engine was shut off, causing the plane to turn sideways into the wind and waves.

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