On September 19, 1943, a Caudron C.630/C.635 Simoun (registration SE-AKZ) operated by Björkvallsflyg was involved in an aviation accident near Vättern Lake, Sweden in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The elevator control surface became jammed by the towed cable during flight. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into Vättern Lake while towing a target for an anti-aircraft exercise, killing both crew members after the tow cable jammed the elevator control surface.
What happened
The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a practice mission over Vättern Lake. The aircraft was engaged in towing a target specifically for an anti-aircraft battery exercise. During a turn maneuver, the towed wire became entangled with the aircraft's elevator mechanism. This obstruction caused the pilot to lose control of the flight path. Consequently, the plane crashed into the lake waters and sank to a depth of approximately 90 meters. The crash site was located about 60 kilometers northeast of Jönköping. Both individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the loss of control was mechanical interference. Specifically, the elevator jammed by a towed cable during flight operations rendered the aircraft uncontrollable.
Probable cause
The elevator control surface became jammed by the towed cable during flight.
What happened in the 19 Sept 1943 Caudron C.630/C.635 Simoun accident near Vättern Lake, Sweden?
An aircraft crashed into Vättern Lake while towing a target for an anti-aircraft exercise, killing both crew members after the tow cable jammed the elevator control surface.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Sept 1943 Caudron C.630/C.635 Simoun accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Sept 1943 involved a Caudron C.630/C.635 Simoun, registration SE-AKZ, operated by Björkvallsflyg, at Vättern Lake, Sweden.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The elevator control surface became jammed by the towed cable during flight.
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