Status

  • Final report published
  • External consultation process closed
  • Analyzing phase
  • Stakeholder meeting held
  • Fact-finding phase
  • Investigation started

Date of occurrence:

L-1/25

Accident involving two aircraft, SE-KBF and SE-KBL, at Visby Airport, Gotland

Summary in English

Two pilots from Gotland's Flying Club prepared for a formation flight (two-ship) to be conducted near Visby Airport. The flight was a training exercise that formed part of the activities of the Voluntary Air Corps (FFK) within the so-called Maritime Information Group (SIG). Each aircraft was operated by a single pilot.

On the ground, in front of the club hangar, snow and ice covered the concrete apron and the grass. The pilots assessed the ground friction to be good.

Both aircraft were positioned on the extension of the apron and were angled to the left. After engine start, the rear aircraft (SE-KBF) began to move forward. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft's movement using the wheel brakes. The aircraft's propeller collided with the left wing of the front aircraft, causing structural damage. According to the pilot, significant force was applied to the brake pedals without achieving the desired braking effect.

Based on wheel tracks and photographs, SHK determined that the rear aircraft was not positioned at an angle that would have ensured obstacle clearance in the event of unintended forward movement.

An inspection of the braking system revealed no faults. The brakes functioned normally when applied from the left pilot position.

Observations from a witness and the damage to the aircraft suggest that the engine power was higher than normal after engine start. This resulted in significant forward thrust while ground friction was limited.

When assessing obstacle clearance, factors such as ground friction and the potential effects of degraded brakes should be considered. In this case, the aircraft were positioned too close to one another and at a relative angle that did not allow for sufficient margins to maintain obstacle clearance under the prevailing conditions.

Causes of the accident

The forward force resulting from the high engine power after engine start exceeded the ground friction force, causing the rear aircraft to unintentionally start moving forward. The limited obstacle clearance led to a collision between the two aircraft. The risks of a collision had not been fully considered in during the preparations for the flight.

Safety recommendations

Since both the Volunteer Air Force and the Gotland Flying Club have taken relevant measures, SHK refrains from issuing any safety recommendations.

Chairperson

Kristina Börjevik Kovaniemi

Investigator in charge

Gideon Singer

Page information

Last updated:
19 June 2025