Investigation of aviation accident near Reinsvoll airport in Innlandet county, Norway

The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) arrived at the site of the accident the following day and started investigations. The airplane was subsequently transported to NSIA's facilities in Lillestrøm for further examination. 

Several witnesses have come forward.

NSIA has started a full investigation of the accident.

The cause of the accident is still unknown.

NSIA has, based on videos, pictures and witness statements, established a preliminary course of events of the flight. After taking off at 1817 hours local time they appear to have flown sightseeing in the area east of the airfield. After approximately 20 minutes flight they crossed over the northern end of the runway on a westbound course. 7 minutes later, at approximately 1845, they returned to the airfield where they conducted a few aerobatic manoeuvres over the next 3-4 minutes. Videos and pictures indicate that they completed three loops and one aileron roll, but it could have been more. Based on the audio from the videos the engine appears to have operated normally during these manoeuvres. After the last loop the airplane continued southbound. Less than three minutes later the airplane was again inbound the airfield, possibly on a left base to runway 34. Several witnesses have explained that the airplane suddenly dropped the nose almost straight down from level flight, before it disappeared and they heard noises, most likely from the airplane cutting the trees or impacting the ground.

Several witnesses have reported to have heard the airplane during the flight and thought the noise from engine was abnormal, as if it was running rough or backfiring. So far it has been difficult to build a clear picture of when and where the airplane was when they heard this. One of the trees at the site of the accident was cut in a way that suggests the propeller was rotating as the airplane went down. There are other signs as well that the engine was running at the time of the accident. Inspections of the engine, propeller and fuel supply systems have not uncovered any technical faults. However, engine problems cannot be excluded as a cause or contributing cause to the accident.

Preliminary estimates indicate that weight and balance was within limits throughout the flight. The fuel quantity at the time of the accident is estimated to approximately 20 litres.

The investigation into the accident will continue.

The crash site. Photo: NSIA

The investigation is ongoing.

Latest update: 16.09.2024.