Serbia Investigates 2019 Aerial Accident Involving Moravan Z 526 F (YU-CDG)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On July 18, 2019, at 08:31 local time, a 1976 Moravan n.p. Z 526 F aircraft, bearing the registration YU-CDG, crashed in the immediate vicinity of Ečka Airport in Zrenjanin, Serbia. The aircraft, which had a serial number of 1296, was owned and operated by the Aeroclub “Falcons.” The investigation was conducted by the Republic of Serbia’s Center for Investigation of Accidents in Transport, with the final report published in November 2020. ## Flight History and Operational Context The pilot arrived at the airport around 07:45 local time to conduct a training flight focused on aerobatic maneuvers. Prior to the flight, an aircraft mechanic performed a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft, engine, and propeller, finding no deficiencies. The pilot also completed a personal pre-flight check and a test run of the engine and control systems. After taxiing to the takeoff point on runway 33, the pilot received clearance and took off toward runway 15. ## Accident Sequence and Impact Following takeoff, the pilot executed a turn and a low-level flight toward the hangar before beginning a climb. At an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters in the southeast zone of runway 33, the pilot initiated aerobatic maneuvers. After completing the first set of figures at an altitude between 500 and 700 meters, the pilot flew horizontally for several minutes before starting a second set of maneuvers. During this sequence, the pilot transitioned the aircraft into a steep dive. The aircraft impacted the ground at 08:31 local time at a speed of approximately 280 km/h and an angle of about 85 degrees relative to the ground. ## Casualties and Damage The pilot, a 47-year-old male, sustained fatal injuries at the scene. The aircraft was destroyed due to the high speed and steep angle of impact. The wreckage was located on agricultural land approximately 760 meters southeast of the threshold of runway 33. The fuselage was embedded in the ground by more than 1.5 meters, with the wings and tail surfaces visible above the surface. No third-party damage was reported. ## Regulatory and Certification Context The pilot held valid licenses and ratings, including a G2GL rating and a single-engine piston (land) rating. The aircraft was equipped with a LOM PRAHA M137A engine. The investigation was conducted in accordance with Serbian laws and regulations governing the investigation of accidents in air, rail, and water transport.