Night training accident at Riga-Spilve Airport

4 fatalities • Riga-Spilve, Latvia • Takeoff (climb)

A night training flight ended in a fatal crash near Riga-Spilve Airport after an aircraft stalled during a missed approach.

What happened

During a local night training session at Riga-Spilve Airport, the crew initiated a go-around procedure while on final approach. As the aircraft began its climb, it reached an altitude of approximately 60 meters before attempting a left turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and subsequently crashed roughly 250 meters from the control tower. The accident resulted in 4 fatalities among the crew members.

Findings

While investigators could not establish a definitive cause for the crash, evidence suggests that both engines experienced flameouts during the early stages of the climb. This loss of power was likely linked to the improper management of the fuel system by the crew. At the time of the engine failure, the active fuel tank contained only 54 liters of fuel, a quantity deemed inadequate for the flight phase.

Probable cause

The engines likely failed due to insufficient fuel levels and improper fuel system handling during the climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-07-19 Lisunov LI-2 accident near Riga-Spilve, Latvia?

A night training flight ended in a fatal crash near Riga-Spilve Airport after an aircraft stalled during a missed approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-07-19 Lisunov LI-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-07-19 involved a Lisunov LI-2, registration CCCP-L4197, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Riga-Spilve, Latvia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines likely failed due to insufficient fuel levels and improper fuel system handling during the climb.

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