History of Flight
On 17 April 2022, a Cessna A185F SkyWagon II aircraft, registration VT-ETU, operated by Agni Aero Sports Adventure Academy Private Limited, was conducting local sorties at Jakkur Aerodrome, Bengaluru. The flight crew consisted of a pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and a skydiving instructor who was a passenger. The pilot reported for duty at 0430 UTC, received a weather briefing, and passed a Breath Analyzer test. After pre-flight inspection and load and trim sheet preparation, the aircraft requested startup at 0830 UTC. Weather was clear with visibility of 6 km and no significant changes. Runway 08 was allocated for takeoff due to variable winds favoring that runway.
The aircraft first performed taxi runs on both runways for about 35 minutes, then took off at approximately 0908 UTC. It flew a right-hand circuit and performed seven circuit landings, landing at 0958 UTC. After a 30-minute break, the aircraft requested startup again at 1040 UTC and took off, following the same profile. Between 1040 UTC and 1207 UTC, the aircraft performed ten landings, all reportedly normal.
During the tenth sortie, the pilot maintained approach speed of 70 knots with flap 30 selected. The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 08. Touchdown was normal, occurring abeam the intersection.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants—the pilot and the skydiving instructor—remained uninjured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. After touchdown, the aircraft veered left and toppled onto the unpaved portion of the runway strip.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The aircraft was a Cessna A185F SkyWagon, manufactured in the USA, with Indian registration VT-ETU. It was owned and operated by Agni Aero Sports Adventure Academy Private Limited. The pilot held an ATPL and was the pilot-in-command. The passenger was a trained skydiving instructor who was on board to observe and guide the pilot on skydiving patterns.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions were reported as clear with visibility of 6 km. Wind was variable but favorable for runway 08 operations. No significant changes were forecast.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft came to rest on the unpaved portion of the runway strip after veering left and toppling. The extent of damage was substantial, though specific components were not listed in the report.
Conclusion (from report)
The occurrence was classified as an accident under Indian regulations. The investigation was conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The probable cause was not stated in the provided source.