What happened
On 26 December 2024, an Aeroprakt A22LS, registration A6-RMS, departed Al Jazeirah Airport (OMRJ) in Ras Al Khaimah for a scheduled 20-minute recreational flight. The aircraft, operated by Al Jazirah Aviation Club, was carrying one pilot and one passenger. After an initial departure toward Marjan Island and a subsequent northbound heading, the aircraft ceased all radio communication.
At approximately 14:10 local time, ground controllers attempted to contact the aircraft to confirm its arrival, but the pilot did not respond. Following unsuccessful attempts to re-establish contact, other club aircraft were dispatched to search the flight path. Later that afternoon, a club member reported seeing a crash near Cove Rotana Beach. Search and rescue teams eventually located the wreckage on the seabed, approximately one nautical mile offshore. Tragically, both the pilot and the passenger sustained two fatalities.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) initiated an inquiry into the loss of the aircraft. Investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance history, noting that the engine and propeller had approximately 1,856 hours since new, with the most recent major inspection completed shortly before the accident. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which indicated favorable flying conditions with clear visibility and light winds at the time of the flight.
Because the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight was 600 kg, it was not required to carry a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder. However, investigators are analyzing data from the aircraft's engine and flight system displays. The investigation is currently examining technical performance, GPS flight path data, and human factors to determine the sequence of events leading to the impact.