Aircraft crash near Gävle Airport during night approach

4 fatalities • Gävle, Sweden • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine charter flight crashed into a wooded area south of Gävle Airport during an approach in low visibility, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft was operating a charter service from Stockholm-Bromma to Gävle with five people on board, including two crew members and three passengers. During the final approach phase into Gävle Airport, the flight encountered challenging weather conditions characterized by nighttime darkness and falling snow, which significantly reduced visibility.

While maneuvering for landing, the aircraft descended into the treetops and crashed in a forested region situated approximately 5 km south of the airport. Search and rescue teams were deployed following the incident, eventually locating the wreckage at 0900LT the next morning. The accident resulted in four fatalities and one survivor, with the sole survivor being transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew did not adhere to the established procedures for an NDB approach at Gävle Airport. Additionally, the presence of snow and the lack of visibility during the night were noted as contributing elements to the flight's circumstances.

Probable cause

The crew's failure to follow standard NDB approach procedures at Gävle Airport led to the aircraft striking trees during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-02-13 Cessna 402 accident near Gävle, Sweden?

A twin-engine charter flight crashed into a wooded area south of Gävle Airport during an approach in low visibility, resulting in four fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-02-13 Cessna 402 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-02-13 involved a Cessna 402, registration SE-GGR, operated by Aero Center, at Gävle, Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew's failure to follow standard NDB approach procedures at Gävle Airport led to the aircraft striking trees during the final approach.

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