Stefan Kaarle
Jan Stefan Kaarle, born 25 February 1970, is an officer and a display pilot in the Swedish Air Force.
Gripen crash
Kaarle flies the Gripen, a fighter aircraft manufactured by Saab. On 19 April 2007, he was involuntarily ejected out of his aircraft in mid-air while approaching the landing strip at Vidsel airfield in northern Sweden. The aircraft crashed in the forest along the landing strip, but Kaarle landed safely by parachute.
According to statements from representatives of the Swedish Accident Investigation Board (SHK), preliminary data indicate that a loose fit on the legs of Kaarle's G-suit may have interfered with the ejector seat handle. The handle is placed between the pilot's thighs, and had recently been redesigned. A G-suit automatically inflates and deflates in flight, depending on the G-forces that result from the pilot's actions.
The accident is pending further investigation.
External links
See also
- Accidents and incidents involving the JAS 39 Gripen
References
sv:Stefan Kaarle