4 fatalities

2009-02-05: Cessna 303 Crusader (9A-DLN) — Aero Klub Ban — Zadar, Croatia

Zadar, CroatiaFlight

On February 5, 2009, a Cessna 303 Crusader (registration 9A-DLN) operated by Aero Klub Ban was involved in an aviation accident near Zadar, Croatia in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The most probable cause of the accident is the entry with an uncertified aircraft into icing conditions and in mountain waves. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781196912Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight from Zagreb to Zadar, the aircraft encountered marginal weather with icing conditions, lost height at 6,500 feet in clouds, and crashed in the Velebit Mountain Range. All four occupants were killed and the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident

The crew departed Zagreb Airport on a training flight to Zadar. While descending to Zadar Airport, the aircraft encountered marginal weather with icing conditions. At an altitude of 6,500 feet in clouds, the aircraft lost height and crashed in the Velebit Mountain Range. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and all four occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the most probable cause of the accident was the entry with an uncertified aircraft into icing conditions and in mountain waves. According to the findings, the plane most likely froze on its tail first. After the plane most likely froze completely, it became too heavy, entered mountain waves, became completely uncontrollable, after which it crashed at a sharp angle from a height of about 6,500 feet and hit a hill at the foot of Vaganski Vrh. Due to the force of the impact, the plane completely disintegrated.