History of the Flight
On 15 July 2023, a Cessna 206 (Soloy) aircraft, registration F-HGAZ, conducted multiple flights for skydiving operations at Tuzla Airport, Constanța County, Romania. Around 17:40 local time, the aircraft departed from runway 22 on its 16th flight of the day, carrying six skydivers. The planned climb was to flight level 130 for the skydivers' drop.
During the climb, at approximately 1,155 feet (352 meters) altitude, the pilot observed the illumination of the "oil chip detector" warning light. The pilot informed the skydivers that the mission was being aborted and that they would return to the airport for landing.
The pilot entered the traffic pattern at the second turn, then executed consecutive turns 3 and 4 while descending. The approach was characterized by a high vertical speed but low forward speed in the final landing phase. The aircraft made an initial hard contact with the runway, followed by a bounce that exceeded the aircraft's speed limits. Upon the subsequent contact, the nose landing gear failed, and the aircraft's structure was deformed. After the final contact, the aircraft rolled approximately 100 meters and came to a stop on the right side of runway 22 at coordinates N 43°59'6.00", E 28°36'16.64".
Injuries and Damage
Following the impact with the ground, the pilot and one skydiver required medical care.
Safety Issues and Investigation Status
No immediate safety recommendations were issued during this investigation. The engine control elements have been inspected and examined; the expert report and collected information are currently under analysis and synthesis.