Introduction
On 06.06.2018, an Antonov AN-2 aircraft, registered YR-DAX, operated by S.C. AEROSERV SRL, was conducting aviochemical flights on a wheat field near Băleni commune, Galați county. The flight activity began around 12:00 LT, with a first flight of approximately 30 minutes followed by a one-hour break. At around 13:45 LT, after refueling with about 1200 liters of substance, the aircraft took off.
Occurrence Sequence
According to the pilot’s statement, while performing a left turn to align the aircraft in a south-north direction for substance release, the aircraft lost height due to a descending air current. While crossing county road DJ253, the aircraft’s right landing gear wheel struck a refrigerated truck traveling on the road perpendicular to the aircraft’s heading. After impact, the aircraft rotated to the right and pitched forward. It became uncontrollable, touched down with the lower right wing and engine about 40 meters from the truck, then continued rotating 180 degrees to the right while sliding on its ventral side for approximately 41 meters. Following ground impact, a fire broke out in the engine area and spread to the cockpit. The substance tank broke and caught fire. The aircraft burned almost completely.
Aircraft and Crew
The Antonov AN-2 (serial number 1G 21616) was built in 1985 and categorized as a historical aircraft. It was authorized for aviochemical flights in spray or dusty configuration. The engine serial number was K-1610883. The total airframe hours on 20.04.2018 were 2520 since new and 545 since last overhaul. The crew consisted of a 51-year-old pilot with 3209 hours on type and a 59-year-old navigating mechanic with 8684 hours on type. Both held valid licenses and medical certificates.
Aftermath
Moments after the aircraft stopped, the navigating mechanic attempted to exit but found the broken substance tank blocking the door; he moved it and escaped. He saw the pilot was injured with legs trapped under the rudder pedals, returned, freed him, and helped him out of the burning aircraft. Both were taken by emergency services to the hospital. The pilot and navigating mechanic were injured, requiring several days of hospitalization. Approximately 400 m² of agricultural crop was destroyed. The weather conditions (temperature 26°C, visibility over 10 km, wind 3–5 m/s from 360°, cloudiness 3–4/8 with ceiling over 1500 m) were assessed as not influencing the occurrence.