History of Flight
On 16 March 2021, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration S2-AGG, operated by Bangladesh Flying Academy and General Aviation Ltd, departed from Shah Makhdum Airport (VGRJ) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, for a Private Pilot License (PPL) navigation check flight. The flight crew consisted of the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) and a student pilot. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at an altitude of 1000 feet above ground level (AGL).
Approximately 45 minutes after departure, the student pilot reported that the aircraft was vibrating. The CFI assumed control and decided to return to the base at Rajshahi. The vibration increased, accompanied by a decrease in engine oil pressure and a simultaneous increase in engine oil temperature. The CFI also noted a loss of engine power, causing the aircraft to lose altitude.
The engine failed at about 300 feet AGL. The crew transmitted a ‘Mayday’ call and executed a forced landing on a potato field at Lalpur, at a radial of 345 degrees and 11 nautical miles DME from VGRJ. During the ground roll, the aircraft struck an elevated aisle, causing the nose landing gear to break and detach. The fuselage then toppled over and came to rest inverted on the field.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots were reported safe. The CFI sustained a minor forehead cut while evacuating the aircraft. There was no fire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the detachment of the nose landing gear and the fuselage being inverted. Local fire vehicles arrived at the scene within minutes and departed after a brief stay.
Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee of Bangladesh (AAIC-BD) was notified and immediately took measures to secure the wreckage. The head of AAIC-BD contacted the VGRJ airport authority and local administration to ensure the site was protected. A ‘Go-Team’ comprising two investigators (one operations, one engineering) departed Dhaka for Rajshahi on the first available flight on 17 March 2021, as no flights were available on the day of the accident. Subsequently, a two-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Team (AAIT) was formally appointed, with the Member (Engineering) as Investigator-in-Charge.
This preliminary report was published on 13 April 2021, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. The investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be released within twelve months.