Incident Overview
On 20 July 2025 at approximately 12:18 local time, a Savannah S ultralight aircraft, registered YR-5788, experienced a serious incident near Gura Portiței, Tulcea County, Romania. The aircraft had departed from Vădeni aerodrome for a private recreational flight to Gura Portiței and return, with one pilot and one passenger on board.
Sequence of Events
While in the Periteasca area, the aircraft performed a landing along a dirt road between the Perișor fishery and the end of the Periteasca canal, approximately 2.5 kilometers northeast of the canal. After landing, the aircraft nosed over (capotat). The pilot notified the event at 12:09, reporting that the aircraft had nosed over at coordinates 44°46'47.5"N / 029°09'58.2"E. Both occupants exited the aircraft unaided and did not request emergency services.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The pilot, a 53-year-old male, held a valid ultralight pilot license and had a total flight experience of 224 hours. The aircraft was a Savannah S manufactured by S.C. ICP S.R.L., serial number 18-01-54-0583, built in 2019. It was privately owned and registered in Romania as YR-5788.
Damage
The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft: the propeller blades were broken, the nose landing gear leg was broken, and the central part of the fuselage was bent.
Investigation Status
The Romanian Aeronautical Investigation Authority (AIAS) has initiated an investigation. A preliminary investigation was conducted at the site, including video and photographic documentation and collection of initial information. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report with conclusions and probable cause will be published upon completion.