Christer Dahlgren and Lennart Håkansson, two highly respected pilots, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash at Lake Limmaren near Norrtälje. Both were integral members of the Swedish Voluntary Air Corps, known for their dedication and expertise. Their passing is deeply mourned by the aviation community, highlighting their contributions and the personal loss felt by friends and colleagues.
Tragic Loss: Esteemed Pilots Christer Dahlgren and Lennart Håkansson Die in Plane Crash
Tragic Loss: Esteemed Pilots Christer Dahlgren and Lennart Håkansson Die in Plane Crash
Passionate, vibrant, and skilled pilots. This is how Christer Dahlgren and Lennart Håkansson are described—two pilots who perished in the crash at Lake Limmaren in early September.
"We have lost two skilled pilots. But more importantly, we have lost two friends," says friend and colleague Per Winberg.
In early September, a small aircraft crashed into Lake Limmaren during a landing attempt at Norrtälje Airport.
The Swedish Voluntary Air Corps, a volunteer defense organization that brings together pilots and aviation enthusiasts to support society and the Armed Forces with air operations, had been conducting exercises with three aircraft.
However, one aircraft never returned to the airfield.
Onboard were pilots Christer Dahlgren, 78, and Lennart Håkansson, 68, both of whom died.
"They were two very, very experienced pilots. They had many years of service in the air corps and were always generous in sharing their knowledge," says Per, who also spoke with Norrtelje Tidning.
"A Passionate Soul"
Both Christer and Lennart were part of the Swedish Voluntary Air Corps, and Per Winberg succeeded Christer as the regional flight chief in 2022.
"I have previously described Christer as vibrant, and I still think that holds true. If you met Christer, you remembered him," says Per, who also spoke with Norrtelje Tidning.
"He made an impression on people. Not by boasting or being loud, but just by being himself."
Christer co-founded the Bunge Camp on Gotland, an annual aviation camp for young people. He was committed to ensuring everyone could afford the camp, regardless of socioeconomic background.
"The camp should be almost free, and Christer managed to secure the funding. Both of those rules still stand. This summer at Bunge, we had 22 participants—11 girls and 11 boys," says Winberg.
"The Step Between Ballet and Aerobatic Flying Isn't So Far..."
Lennart, over ten years younger, had also been with the Swedish Voluntary Air Corps for many years.
He was the chairman of the Technical University’s Flying Club and met Christer at Tullinge airfield.
"They first met through club activities and eventually both ended up in the air corps," says Winberg.
But Lennart had a slightly different background than Christer—he was once a ballet dancer and choreographer.
"Lennart competed in aerobatics, or stunt flying. The step from ballet on a dance floor to ballet in the air isn't that far," says Winberg with a smile.
"He was very, very humble, soft-spoken. Friendly, but it was also a trait that made him well-liked."
In recent weeks, Christer and Lennart have been mourned by many across the aviation community in Sweden.
"Yes, we have lost two skilled pilots. But we have also lost two friends. It's possible to replace two pilots, but it's harder to replace two friends," says Winberg.
"Those are the real losses."
The families have given Expressen permission to publish Lennart and Christer's names and photos.