Overview
On an unspecified date, two twin-engine Let L-410 aircraft operated by the same company collided in mid-air while conducting a skydiving mission. The aircraft, registered OM-ODQ and OM-SAB, were preparing for an airshow scheduled for Sunday, August 23.
Aircraft and Mission
Both aircraft were carrying skydivers and pilots. OM-ODQ carried 17 skydivers and 2 pilots, while OM-SAB carried 17 skydivers and 2 pilots as well. The crew of OM-ODQ was attempting to get closer to OM-SAB while climbing to an altitude of about 1,400 to 1,500 metres.
Collision
During the climb, the two aircraft collided. All but three skydivers were able to bail out before both aircraft crashed in a wooded area north of the airfield.
Casualties
All four crew members (two from each aircraft) and three skydivers were killed. One skydiver from OM-SAB and two from OM-ODQ died in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the main cause of the in-flight collision was poor flight management by the captain of OM-ODQ. Contributing factors included the captain using a mobile phone at the time of the collision and the total weight of OM-ODQ exceeding its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).