Event Sequence
On 15 December 2024, at 10:15 local time, a BRM CITIUS ultralight aircraft registered YR-7777 departed from Mărgineni airstrip in Bacău County with a pilot and one passenger. After performing two circuits, the aircraft proceeded to Lespezi, Vrancea County. Around 11:00, while conducting a low-altitude overflight of the owner's airstrip under construction, the landing gear inadvertently contacted the muddy ground. Despite moving the engine power control to maximum, the aircraft did not accelerate, and the ground roll became uncontrollable. The aircraft veered left onto a plowed field, causing the nose landing gear to break and the aircraft to nose over. Damage included a broken nose gear, deformed central and rear fuselage, damaged left wingtip, and broken propeller blades. Both occupants exited the aircraft unaided and did not require medical attention.
Aircraft Information
The BRM CITIUS is a two-seat, high-wing, all-metal ultralight monoplane with side-by-side seating. It has a fixed tricycle landing gear with a steerable nosewheel operated by rudder pedals. The aircraft was built in 2019 with serial number 0282/912ULS/K3/19 and had accumulated 268 total flight hours. Its airworthiness certificate was valid.
Location
The event occurred approximately 782 meters west-southwest of the center of Lespezi, Vrancea County, at coordinates 46°9'19.47"N 27°13'49.59"E. The airstrip under construction was oriented 340°/160°, with dimensions 600 meters long by 30 meters wide. At the time of the incident, the ground surface was soft and muddy, making it unsuitable for safe takeoffs or landings.
Conclusions
According to the investigation, the overflight was conducted at a very low altitude, leading to the inadvertent ground contact. After maximum engine power was applied, the aircraft did not accelerate; the ground roll could not be controlled, and the aircraft veered left. Upon entering the plowed field, the aircraft briefly lifted off but made a second contact, and the landing gear dug into the soil, causing the nose landing gear to break and the aircraft to nose over. The airstrip surface at the time did not provide safe conditions for takeoff or landing.