1 fatality

Positioning Flight Ends in Fatal Crash Near Borlänge (SE-GIS)

Borlänge-Dala, SwedenLanding (descent or approach)

On June 30, 1983, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration SE-GIS) operated by Holmstroem Air was involved in an aviation accident near Borlänge-Dala, Sweden during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crew error. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot on a positioning flight from Mora to Gävle misinterpreted instruments and descended at Borlänge-Dala Airport instead of Gävle. After two missed approaches, the twin-engine aircraft struck a hill, killing the sole occupant.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a positioning flight from Mora to Gävle. While en route over the Borlänge area, the aircraft encountered marginal weather conditions. The pilot misinterpreted the instrument settings and began a descent toward Borlänge-Dala Airport, which was not the intended destination. The correct airport, Gävle-Sandviken, was situated approximately 85 kilometers east of the aircraft's actual position.

Poor visibility prevented the pilot from locating the airport. After two unsuccessful missed approaches, the twin-engine airplane struck a hill and crashed roughly 4 kilometers south of Borlänge. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was fatally injured.

Findings

The official investigation attributed the accident to crew error, listed as the probable cause.