On January 9, 1953, a Beechcraft 18 (registration 007) operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet was involved in an aviation accident near Östersund, Sweden during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the result of a wrong position of the flaps during the takeoff procedure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after takeoff from runway 30, a twin-engine aircraft banked left, stalled, and crashed in flames near a wooded area. The pilot was killed and three passengers were injured. Investigation found improper flap position.
Accident Overview
Shortly after takeoff from runway 30, a twin-engine aircraft was climbing to a height of 100 feet when it banked left and stalled. The left wing struck the ground, causing the airplane to go out of control. It then crashed in flames near a wooded area located 100 meters farther from the initial impact point. The pilot, Knut Gunnerfeldt, was killed, and all three passengers were injured.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a wrong position of the flaps during the takeoff procedure. No other factors were cited.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Jan 1953 Beechcraft 18 accident near Östersund, Sweden?
Shortly after takeoff from runway 30, a twin-engine aircraft banked left, stalled, and crashed in flames near a wooded area. The pilot was killed and three passengers were injured. Investigation found improper flap position.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jan 1953 Beechcraft 18 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jan 1953 involved a Beechcraft 18, registration 007, operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet, at Östersund, Sweden.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The accident was the result of a wrong position of the flaps during the takeoff procedure.