In-flight breakup of aircraft during skydiving operation near Kimry-Borki Airport

11 fatalities • Kimry-Borki, Russia • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft carrying 25 people experienced a structural failure and subsequent crash during a skydiving flight near Kimry-Borki Airport.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed from Kimry-Borki Airport conducting a scheduled skydiving mission. The flight was occupied by two pilots and 23 skydivers. During the flight, while at an altitude of approximately 3,800 metres, a group of 11 skydivers transitioned to the rear of the cabin to prepare for their jumps. Following the exit of four jumpers, the aircraft experienced a stall originating from the tail, which caused the nose to pitch upward and led to an uncontrolled descent.

As the aircraft descended to roughly 2,000 metres, it underwent a structural failure that caused the airframe to break apart. During this disintegration, several occupants were ejected from the cabin. The wreckage eventually impacted a snow-covered forest area situated about two kilometres from the departure airfield. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities, including both pilots and nine skydivers, while the remaining passengers were located alive. The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced a tail-induced stall followed by a catastrophic structural failure during the jump sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-03-01 Let L-410 accident near Kimry-Borki, Russia?

A twin-engine aircraft carrying 25 people experienced a structural failure and subsequent crash during a skydiving flight near Kimry-Borki Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-03-01 Let L-410 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-03-01 involved a Let L-410, registration FLARF-01032, operated by Borki Air Club, at Kimry-Borki, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced a tail-induced stall followed by a catastrophic structural failure during the jump sequence.

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