Post by hanspetter on Mar 18, 2012 4:01:17 GMT -5
March 15, 2012 : Norwegian Air Force C-130J-30, 10-5630, c/n 5630 crashed on its way from Evenes, Norway to Kiruna, Sweden. Radar contact was lost near mount Kebnekaise, Sweden. A few days after the crash rescue workers found debris of the aircraft on both sides of mount Kebnekaise. (text copied from Wikipedia)
Kebnekaise is the tallest mountain in Sweden. It's a fairly isolated mountain complex with lower terrain all around it. For unknown reasons the aircraft flew a course straight into the mountainous area rather than going north or south of it. The plane hit the western wall between the two highest peaks a few hundred feet below the top. Moreover, it was at an altitude of about 7,000 ft rather than the expected 10,000 to 15,000 ft. The weather was horrible with gusty strong winds and snow.
The investigation will focus on why the experienced pilots failed to keep a margin to the only "terrain" in its path, despite flying IFR in a well equipped state-of-the-art aircraft.
Kebnekaise is the tallest mountain in Sweden. It's a fairly isolated mountain complex with lower terrain all around it. For unknown reasons the aircraft flew a course straight into the mountainous area rather than going north or south of it. The plane hit the western wall between the two highest peaks a few hundred feet below the top. Moreover, it was at an altitude of about 7,000 ft rather than the expected 10,000 to 15,000 ft. The weather was horrible with gusty strong winds and snow.
The investigation will focus on why the experienced pilots failed to keep a margin to the only "terrain" in its path, despite flying IFR in a well equipped state-of-the-art aircraft.