On November 19, 1987, a Cessna 500 Citation (registration OH-CAR) operated by Air Carelia was involved in an aviation accident near Helsinki-Vantaa, Finland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. It was determined that the crew failed to refuel the aircraft prior to takeoff as they thought the fuel quantity remaining was sufficient for the short flight to Vantaa Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a night approach to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, both engines failed due to fuel exhaustion. The crew performed an emergency landing in a field, where the aircraft broke in two. All six occupants evacuated safely.
Accident
While on a night approach to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The captain reduced altitude and attempted an emergency landing in an open field located a few kilometers from the airport. The aircraft belly landed in a snow-covered field, coming to rest broken in two. All six occupants evacuated the cabin and took refuge in a nearby house before being rescued.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the double engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. It was found that the crew failed to refuel the aircraft prior to takeoff, as they mistakenly believed the remaining fuel quantity was sufficient for the short flight to Vantaa Airport.