What happened
During a training flight conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) at Stockholm/Skavsta Airport, an aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power shortly after ascending to 500 feet. The flight was utilizing runway 16, a runway chosen by the instructor specifically because it offered the safest departure path in the event of an engine failure due to nearby obstructions.
Following the engine failure, the instructor assumed control of the aircraft and notified the tower of the intention to return to the runway. While attempting to execute a turn to land on the runway in the opposite direction, the aircraft's airspeed decreased significantly. During this low-speed maneuver, the left wing made contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain on its belly and right wing, causing the engine to separate from the fuselage and the empennage to break off. Despite the severity of the impact, the instructor and the student exited the aircraft uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the engine failure and the aerodynamic difficulties encountered during the turn-back maneuver. Investigators examined the flight school's safety management systems and reviewed existing EASA regulations regarding engine failure procedures after takeoff. The inquiry also looked into the training requirements and the adequacy of guidance regarding high-risk maneuvers at low altitudes.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the engine failure occurring at an altitude and position that left the crew with very limited options for a safe landing.
- A lack of sufficient experience and knowledge regarding the complexities of performing a 180-degree turn at low altitude following an engine failure contributed to the uncontrolled impact.
- The flight school's safety management system had failed to identify the specific risks associated with engine failures at low altitudes.
- Current EASA regulations do not provide sufficient guidance on how training for engine failures after takeoff should be conducted.
Safety action
- EASA is recommended to evaluate whether high-risk maneuvers, such as assessing the safety of a turn-back, should be formally included in training and described in guidance documents.
- EASA is recommended to develop and distribute a safety bulletin to increase awareness of the risks associated with the "impossible turn."
- The Swedish Transport Agency is advised to review how training organizations manage and teach emergency procedures for low-altitude engine failures.
- The Transportation Safety Bureau of Hungary is recommended to review training requirements to ensure compliance with established standards.