History of Flight
On 27 June 2019, a Piper PA-28-161, registration YU-DDB, operated by STS AVIJACIJA d.o.o., departed from Târgu Mureș Airport as part of a rabies vaccination campaign. The aircraft carried a pilot and a vaccine scattering device operator. After approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes of flight, while returning to the airport, the pilot was instructed by air traffic control to descend from 7,000 ft to 6,000 ft due to military aircraft activity in the area.
Accident Sequence
During the descent, the pilot reduced engine speed and activated the electric fuel pump. After reaching 6,000 ft, the pilot advanced the throttle to maximum, at which point speed oscillations and strong vibrations occurred. The fuel pressure indicator was in the green range but near the lower limit. Attempts to restore 2,300 RPM by adjusting engine controls were unsuccessful. The engine lost power, and indicated airspeed decreased. The pilot maintained 65–70 kt by placing the aircraft in a slight descent to avoid stalling.
Faced with an emergency over a forested mountainous area near Mădăraș, the pilot prepared for an off-field landing. As the aircraft approached fir trees, the pilot extended flaps to reduce impact speed and raised the nose so that the horizontal stabilizer and fuselage underside would contact first. The aircraft struck trees over a distance of about 15 m, came to rest inverted at coordinates 46°30'22.9261"N, 025°35'43.9168"E, elevation 1,357 m (4,452 ft). A post-impact fire ensued, consuming most of the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants evacuated the aircraft before the fire spread. They were rescued by a SMURD helicopter and transported to a hospital, where they received medical care. One occupant sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was almost completely destroyed by the impact and fire. Several fir trees were also damaged by the fire.
Probable Cause
The investigation commission could not establish the exact cause of the engine power loss, but considered that the most probable cause, under the given conditions, might be the occurrence of carburettor icing.