Single-engine aircraft crash near Borlänge

1 fatality • Borlänge-Dala, Sweden • Landing (descent or approach)

A positioning flight from Mora to Gävle ended in a fatal accident when the pilot mistakenly descended toward the wrong airport during poor visibility.

What happened

During a repositioning flight traveling from Mora toward Gävle, a twin engine airplane encountered difficult weather conditions while traversing the Borlänge region. While navigating through marginal visibility, the pilot incorrectly configured the aircraft's instruments, leading to an unintended descent toward Borlänge-Dala Airport rather than the intended destination of Gävle-Sandviken Airport, which was situated approximately 85 km to the east.

As the flight progressed, the crew attempted to locate the correct airfield but was unable to do so due to the low visibility. Following two unsuccessful approach attempts, the aircraft impacted a hillside located roughly 4 km south of Borlänge. There was one fatality resulting from the impact, as the pilot was the only person on board at the time of the accident.

Findings

Investigations into the crash determined that the primary factor in the accident was pilot error regarding instrument settings, which caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended flight path and altitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect adjustment of instrument settings led to an unintended descent toward the wrong airport during low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-06-30 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Borlänge-Dala, Sweden?

A positioning flight from Mora to Gävle ended in a fatal accident when the pilot mistakenly descended toward the wrong airport during poor visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 1983-06-30 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-06-30 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration SE-GIS, operated by Holmstroem Air, at Borlänge-Dala, Sweden.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's incorrect adjustment of instrument settings led to an unintended descent toward the wrong airport during low visibility.

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