What happened
On December 27, 2023, a private VFR flight traveling from Roskilde to Kalundborg experienced a critical engine failure over the Smålandsfarvandet, approximately 900 meters south of Glænø. The aircraft, a Van's Aircraft RV-6A registered OY-RVA, was flying in company with another aircraft. During a low-level approach to Vejrø, the pilot failed to activate the carburetor heat, which likely triggered carburetor icing.
As the aircraft climbed to 2,500 feet, the engine RPM dropped to idle. The pilot attempted several troubleshooting steps, including adjusting the mixture and using the starter, but the engine eventually stopped completely. After a brief period of attempting to restart the engine, the pilot declared a 'Mayday' via radio. The aircraft subsequently ditched into the sea. The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft and managed to stay afloat by clinging to a fishing gear pole until a rescue helicopter arrived approximately 35 minutes later.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board examined the sequence of events, the technical state of the engine, and the pilot's emergency response. Investigators looked into the lack of carburetor heat activation and the pilot's lack of specific training in the Van's Aircraft RV-6A emergency procedures. The investigation also reviewed the flight planning, noting that the decision to fly over open water without sufficient altitude to reach land contributed to the necessity of the water landing.
Additionally, the investigation assessed the effectiveness of the search and rescue operation, the availability of life jackets (which were noted to be in a hangar rather than on board), and the impact of the pilot's communication with the other aircraft during the emergency.