Mid-air collision involving two Let L-410 aircraft during skydiv…

Mid-air collision involving two Let L-410 aircraft during skydiving mission

4 fatalities • Červený Kameň, Slovakia • Flight

Two twin-engine aircraft collided in mid-air while performing skydiving maneuvers, resulting in seven fatalities and several injuries.

What happened

During a skydiving operation involving two aircraft, a mid-air collision occurred between two twin-engine planes. The aircraft involved, registered as OM-SAB and OM-ODQ, were both operated by the same company and were engaged in flight preparations for an upcoming airshow scheduled for August 23. Both planes were carrying 17 skydivers and two pilots each.

As the aircraft were ascending to an altitude between 1,400 and 1,500 meters, the pilot of OM-ODQ attempted to maneuver closer to OM-SAB. During this maneuver, the two aircraft collided. Following the impact, most of the skydivers managed to exit the planes via parachute before the wreckage hit the ground. Both aircraft eventually crashed into a forested area situated north of the airfield.

Findings

The collision resulted in a total of seven fatalities, consisting of all four crew members and three skydivers (one from OM-SAB and two from OM-ODQ). The incident was caused by the attempted close-proximity maneuvering of the two aircraft during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The pilot of one aircraft attempted to close the distance to the second aircraft during a climb, leading to a mid-air collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-08-20 Let L-410 accident near Červený Kameň, Slovakia?

Two twin-engine aircraft collided in mid-air while performing skydiving maneuvers, resulting in seven fatalities and several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-08-20 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-08-20 involved a Let L-410, registration OM-ODQ, operated by Dubnica Air, at Červený Kameň, Slovakia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?