Accident Overview
Shortly after departing from Västerås Airport, a local training flight suffered a failure of the left engine, which subsequently caught fire. The pilot-in-command attempted to maintain a safe altitude but was unable to feather the propeller. As a result, the aircraft lost altitude, passing just over a 70,000-volt high-voltage power line, and eventually crashed in flames in a wooded area.
Casualties and Injuries
The accident resulted in six occupants being killed, while five others sustained serious injuries. Three days after the crash, one of the survivors died from their injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the left engine crankshaft failed during the initial climb. For undetermined reasons, the crew was unable to feather the propeller, causing the engine to windmill and generate high drag. Under these conditions, control of the aircraft was lost.