What happened
On May 17, 2024, at 10:21 LT, an Antonov An-2T, registration YR-PBU, was performing parachute jump operations at the Buzău military airfield in Romania. Following a successful jump sequence, the aircraft landed on runway 03. The landing was executed on two points—the main landing gear—at a relatively high speed. After approximately 45 meters of ground roll, the aircraft capsized. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, but the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight parameters, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The crew consisted of an instructor pilot and a student pilot, both of whom held valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft's airworthiness documentation was also found to be in order.
Investigators analyzed the landing technique and the application of braking. While the pilot reported passing through a rain curtain during the short final approach, the board determined that this weather condition did not justify the subsequent actions taken on the ground. The investigation focused on the transition from a two-point landing to the moment the propeller blades struck the ground.
Findings
- The aircraft landed on its main gear rather than in a three-point attitude.
- The landing was performed at a high speed.
- The primary cause of the accident was the application of heavy braking while the aircraft was still rolling on two points, which created a rotational moment around the main gear axis, causing the nose to pitch forward and the propeller to strike the ground.