What happened
On 23 December 1967, an unscheduled transport flight, designated NB821, departed from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport heading toward Gothenburg-Torslanda Airport. The flight proceeded according to its approved flight plan. During the arrival process, the crew attempted an initial approach that had to be aborted at a critical altitude because there were not enough visual references available.
A second approach was subsequently attempted. During this phase, the pilot-in-command assumed control of the aircraft at a low altitude to complete the landing. At 0801 hours GMT, the aircraft made a heavy touchdown on runway 22, approximately 3,000 feet past the runway threshold. While the impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, all 55 occupants were able to evacuate the plane without any fatalities or injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the incident identified several contributing elements regarding the flight's approach and landing technique. The aircraft was on a high-speed, high-altitude approach, and the pilot-in-command took control of the aircraft just as the co-pilot had begun leveling off at the minimum altitude.
The primary cause of the accident was determined to be the unauthorized use of reverse thrust before the wheels had firmly contacted the ground. This action, combined with a touchdown occurring far down the runway, likely contributed to the heavy impact and subsequent damage.