Report on aviation accident near Reinsvoll airport in Innlandet county on 28 August 2023 with Christen Eagle II, LN-TBN

The airplane took off at 1817 hrs, and after flying sightseeing over Toten for approximately 30 minutes, they returned Reinsvoll where they performed some basic aerobatic manoeuvres over the airfield. After the last manoeuvre, they continued south for 2–3 km before turning back towards the airfield. At this point, witnesses described hearing the engine sputter for two or three seconds before running normally again. Just south of the airfield, they turned westward in a wide left turn before approaching the airfield again from the south-west. On the way towards the airfield, witnesses have stated that the aircraft nose suddenly pitched down. Three witnesses believe they heard a bang just before the aircraft pitched down. The aircraft was located in the forest about 550 metres south of the threshold of runway 34 at Reinsvoll. 

The NSIA has carried out thorough investigations into technical, operational and human factors but has been unable to explain why, according to witnesses, the aircraft went from flying straight and level to the aircraft’s nose suddenly pitching down. 

Based on the position and altitude of the aircraft, the NSIA believes that the steep descent was not part of normal manoeuvring. The manoeuvre may have been unintentional or the result of problems with the aircraft. In case of total or partial loss of engine power a steep descend will be necessary to establish and maintain best glide airspeed. The investigation has not uncovered any technical faults with the engine, ignition or fuel system. However, the NSIA can not rule out the possibility. There are no indications that the aircraft ran out of fuel.

Based on findings at the accident site the NSIA believes the propeller rotated and the engine was running at the time of the accident, although it cannot be determined whether the engine produced full power. If the engine stopped at the time witnesses reported hearing a bang, the pilot may have been able to restart it, but too late to avoid the trees. A situation like this would have demanded a lot of attention by the pilot. At the same time, with a passenger in the front seat, limited view of the instruments would have made it challenging to analyse a possible engine problem. Limited forward field of view may also have contributed to the pilot not noticing the trees ahead in time. 

The NSIA does not propose any safety recommendations in connection with this investigation.

The accident site. Photo: NSIA

Published 02.07.2025