Engine fire leads to fatal crash near Malmen Air Base

2 fatalities • Malmen AFB (Linköping), Sweden • Takeoff (climb)

A local test flight involving an aircraft undergoing maintenance resulted in a fatal crash and explosion near Slaka Kyrka.

What happened

During a routine test flight following recent engine modifications and maintenance, an aircraft experienced a critical failure shortly after departing from Malmen AFB. The flight was manned by a crew consisting of two pilots and two engineers.

As the aircraft was ascending, a fire ignited in the number one engine. In response to the emergency, both engineers successfully exited the aircraft via bailout and were subsequently located alive. However, the aircraft continued its descent toward Slaka Kyrka, approximately 4 km south of the airbase, where it impacted the ground. The resulting impact caused a massive explosion. The two pilots on board were killed in the accident.

Findings

The investigation determined that the crew experienced a loss of control during the initial climb phase as a direct consequence of the fire occurring in the number one engine.

Probable cause

The aircraft became uncontrollable during its ascent due to an engine fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1956-05-08 Avro 683 Lancaster accident near Malmen AFB (Linköping), Sweden?

A local test flight involving an aircraft undergoing maintenance resulted in a fatal crash and explosion near Slaka Kyrka.

Were there any fatalities in the 1956-05-08 Avro 683 Lancaster accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1956-05-08 involved a Avro 683 Lancaster, registration 80001, operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet, at Malmen AFB (Linköping), Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft became uncontrollable during its ascent due to an engine fire.

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