16 fatalities

Tail Stall and Crash on Final Approach to Oskarshamn Airport (SE-IZO)

Oskarshamn, SwedenLanding (descent or approach)

On May 8, 1989, a Beechcraft 99 Airliner (registration SE-IZO) operated by Holmstroem Air was involved in an aviation accident near Oskarshamn, Sweden during landing or approach. 16 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was probably caused by the fact that the pilot could not compensate for the rapid pitch-up that occurred when the wing flaps were selected out while the engines were running at high power. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach to Oskarshamn Airport, the aircraft pitched up after flap selection, entered a tail stall, rolled left, and crashed short of the runway. All 16 occupants were killed and the aircraft destroyed.

Accident Sequence

The flight from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport to Oskarshamn Airport was uneventful until the final approach. As the crew selected flaps down, the aircraft pitched up. The tail stalled, causing the aircraft to roll to the left. It entered a dive and crashed 150 meters short of runway 19 and 75 meters to the left of its extended centerline.

Damage and Occupants

The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 16 occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The accident was probably caused by the fact that the pilot could not compensate for the rapid pitch-up that occurred when the wing flaps were selected out while the engines were running at high power. The following contributing factors were reported:

  • The aircraft was extremely tail-heavy.
  • The crew's training and overall experience on the aircraft type was limited.