Engine failure and crash near Karlstad Airport

5 fatalities • Karlstad, Sweden • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Vänern following a total loss of engine power during its approach to Karlstad Airport.

What happened

During an approach to Karlstad Airport, the pilot of the aircraft notified air traffic control that the fuel supply was critically low. Shortly after this communication, the pilot declared an emergency after both engines ceased functioning. As a result of the power loss, the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the surface of Lake Vänern, approximately 12.5 km from the airport.

Findings

  • The accident resulted in five fatalities, including the pilot.
  • Three passengers were successfully rescued from the wreckage.
  • The primary factor leading to the crash was the total loss of engine power during the final approach phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a dual engine failure during its approach to the airport, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-08-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Karlstad, Sweden?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Vänern following a total loss of engine power during its approach to Karlstad Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-08-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-08-16 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration OY-BZD, operated by Copenhagen Airtaxi, at Karlstad, Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a dual engine failure during its approach to the airport, leading to a loss of altitude and subsequent impact with the water.

Loading the flight search…

What you can do on Flight Finder

  • Search flights between any two airports with live fares.
  • By aircraft — pick a plane model (e.g. Boeing 787, Airbus A350) and see every route it flies from your origin.
  • Route map — click any airport worldwide to explore its destinations, or draw a radius to find nearby airports.
  • Global aviation safety — aviation accident database, 40,000+ records since 1980, with map and rankings by aircraft and operator.
  • NTSB safety feed — recent U.S. aviation accidents and incidents from the official NTSB CAROL database, updated daily.