History of the Flight
On 13 February 2012, a SAAB 2000 aircraft registered as YR-SBK, operated by Carpatair, was scheduled for a passenger flight from Craiova to Timișoara. The aircraft was prepared for departure and, after boarding, taxied via taxiway B to runway 09 for takeoff. The takeoff surface was covered with a layer of dry snow, with low to medium snow conditions reported. Snow removal operations had resulted in snow accumulations of about 1 meter in the lateral areas of the declared runway, including along the line of the bright light marking lamps.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft deviated laterally to the right. The right engine propeller struck a snow bank formed from the removed snow. The aircraft then exited the runway, coming to a stop approximately 20 meters into the runway strip. The crew initiated an emergency evacuation of all persons on board in accordance with procedures. The captain informed the tower and requested emergency assistance. All occupants left the aircraft via the emergency exits.
Damage to the Aircraft
The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The front fuselage exhibited distortion and deformation of the landing gear doors, buckling of shear web walls in the nose landing gear compartment, and scratching and tearing of the forward hydraulic cove. The cabin section showed a hole on the right side, including a damaged landing light, and significant delamination on the left side caused by external pressure. The fuselage-wing fairing had deformed access doors. The left cabin side panel was depressed, with distorted stringers and frame.
Left engine assembly: all propeller blades separated from the hub; spinner damaged; engine and mountings had no noticeable damage. Right engine assembly: a large crack/tear in the lower cowl skin; fuel leak in the landing gear bay; aft landing gear door broken with ruptured rods; all propeller blades separated in pieces; multiple engine mounts damaged; nacelle skin, air inlet, and harness installations damaged or displaced. The manufacturer determined that the aircraft was technically repairable.
Crew Information
The commander was a 43-year-old male holding a Spanish ATPL, with 6623 flight hours total (4044 as commander). The copilot was a 29-year-old male holding a Romanian CPL, with 700 total flight hours. Cabin crew consisted of a 32-year-old female head of cabin and a female air hostess. All crew held valid medical certificates.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
The takeoff conditions were low to medium snow, with the runway surface covered by dry snow. Snow accumulations of about 1 meter were present in lateral runway areas.
Other Information
No other damage was reported. No fire occurred. The flight recorders and wreckage were examined as part of the investigation.