Accident
On final approach to Falköping Airport, both engines failed simultaneously. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft crashed in an open field located five kilometers short of the runway. The aircraft slid for a few dozen meters and eventually collided with a stone wall. The pilot was slightly injured, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Investigation
The official investigation determined that both engines failed following fuel exhaustion. The main tanks and those in the wings were empty, while the tip tanks still contained fuel. The left auxiliary fuel pump had been changed the day before the accident. The pilot proceeded to the daily inspection but failed to drain the fuel system. The main tank was extremely dirty, and the filters in the fuel transfer lines were fitted against the published procedures and were also blocked by impurities. Additionally, those filters contained a lot of water. In all lines, the fuel was so contaminated that electrical resistance caused the fuel gauges to indicate a quantity of fuel far greater than reality. Investigators at the scene of the accident found that the main tank drain valve was open.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause states that both engines failed following fuel exhaustion. The main tanks and those in the wings were empty while the tip tanks still contained fuel. The left auxiliary fuel pump had been changed the day before the accident. The pilot proceeded to the daily inspection but failed to drain the fuel system. The main tank was extremely dirty and the filters in the fuel transfer lines were fitted against the published procedures and were also blocked by impurities. Additionally, those filters contained a lot of water. In all lines, the fuel was so contaminated that electrical resistance caused the fuel gauges to indicate a quantity of fuel far greater than reality. Investigators at the scene of the accident found that the main tank drain valve was open.