On July 25, 1990, a Rockwell Grand Commander 680 (registration SE-FTP) operated by Varmlandsflyg was involved in an aviation accident near Hassela, Sweden in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight failure of the right wing caused by pre-existing fatigue cracks in the structure. 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.
A survey aircraft crashed near Hassela after its right wing detached in flight, killing both crew members due to fatigue-induced structural failure.
What happened
During a low-altitude aerial survey mission, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic structural failure involving the right wing. The component separated from the airframe while the plane was in operation, causing an immediate loss of control. Unable to recover, the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the ground in the vicinity of Hassela.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was the structural integrity of the wing assembly. Metallurgical analysis revealed that fatigue cracks had developed within the material, eventually causing the right wing to fail during flight operations. This mechanical breakdown resulted in the fatal crash for all individuals on board.
Probable cause
In-flight failure of the right wing caused by pre-existing fatigue cracks in the structure.