Aircraft Accident at Kapan Airport: Captain's Departure Procedure Failure (CCCP-01154)

Incident Overview and Flight Details A single-engine aircraft departed Kapan Airport at 1438 local time on a return flight to Yerevan, with planned intermediate stops at Goris and Sisian. The aircraft was carrying 14 passengers, consisting of 11 adults and three children, along with a crew of two. ## Flight Sequence and Crash After takeoff, the captain executed a straight-in climb to 200 meters before making a sharp right turn with a 40-degree bank. The aircraft failed to climb properly, and the pilot-in-command directed the airplane into a gorge. The copilot attempted to regain control, but the captain maintained pressure and did not follow the required procedure. Upon seeing a mountain ahead, the captain turned right, causing the aircraft to strike trees and crash in flames in a wooded area. ## Casualties and Damage One adult passenger was killed, and all 15 other occupants were injured. The aircraft was destroyed, and the wreckage was located 5.5 kilometers from the intended route. ## Investigation Findings The investigation revealed that the captain pressured the copilot to provide false testimony to the board of inquiry, claiming the accident resulted from an engine failure. Engine analysis showed no anomalies, and the copilot later admitted his testimony was untrue. The captain failed to follow published departure procedures at Kapan Airport. High temperature was considered a contributing factor.