Engine failure and crash in Sikmarö

No fatalities • Sikmarö, Sweden • Flight

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Sikmarö following an engine failure at low altitude, resulting in injuries to all four people on board.

What happened

During a flight at an altitude of approximately 150 meters, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Although the pilot managed to successfully restart the engine, the plane could not maintain its altitude. The aircraft type descended into a forested region in Sikmarö, striking trees before coming to a complete stop. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were four injuries reported among the occupants, consisting of the pilot, a signaller, and two passengers.

Findings

Investigations into the accident revealed that the engine failure was a direct result of fuel exhaustion. While the aircraft still possessed adequate fuel in a secondary tank, the fuel selector valve had been left connected to an empty tank. The investigation concluded that the pilot failed to switch the fuel selector to the remaining fuel source in a timely manner.

Probable cause

The engine failed because the fuel selector was positioned to an empty tank despite usable fuel being available in another tank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1954-07-14 Noorduyn Norseman accident near Sikmarö, Sweden?

An aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Sikmarö following an engine failure at low altitude, resulting in injuries to all four people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1954-07-14 Noorduyn Norseman accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1954-07-14 involved a Noorduyn Norseman, registration 78002, operated by Swedish Air Force - Flygvapnet, at Sikmarö, Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed because the fuel selector was positioned to an empty tank despite usable fuel being available in another tank.

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