Report of aviation accident at Kjeller airfield on 28 September 1975 with Piper Super Cub PA-18-90, LN-RTG

On 28 September 1975, LN-RTG was scheduled to be flown to Kjeller Airport for maintenance. The plan was for LN-BDX to accompany it to transport everyone back to Dokka.

The weather at Kjeller was partly cloudy, and there was a strong crosswind blowing across the runway. The pilot of LN-RTG called Kjeller Airport to inquire about the weather. In a phone conversation with airport personnel at approximately 1300 hrs, it was agreed that the pilot would call again at 1500 hrs, as it was assumed that the wind would have subsided by then. However, a misunderstanding seems to have occurred, as both aircraft arrived over Kjeller at around 1400 hrs.

There was still strong and variable wind, ranging from 210° to 250°. Wind gusts were estimated to be up to 30-40 knots at the time of the accident.

LN-RTG performed a three-point landing with a straight rollout along the runway. After the speed had significantly reduced, the left wing of the aircraft lifted by 30°, and the pilot immediately increased engine power. The aircraft veered to the right and quickly took off. After a short time in the air the aircraft collided with a power line and subsequently crashing and catching fire.

The investigation found that the wind conditions around the time of landing were very challenging. The aircraft should have gained more altitude than it apparently did. The reason for the aircraft not gaining sufficient altitude to clear the obstacles in its path was most likely an unusually strong tailwind gust that kept the airspeed low.

Published 31.10.1977