Incident Overview
On December 19, 1993, an Antonov An-2 aircraft with registration LY-ADO departed Suwałki Aerodrome in the Republic of Poland at approximately 11:15 local time. The flight, designated KLA No. 5301, was bound for Kaunas and operated by the Kaunas State Aviation Company "Lietuva". The crew consisted of a captain and a second pilot, while the cabin carried 12 passengers and one aviation technician.
Accident Sequence
During the initial climb, shortly after liftoff from two points, the aircraft began to pitch up sharply. Despite corrective actions by the crew to level the aircraft, it lost airspeed and descended from an altitude of 15–20 meters. The aircraft impacted the ground on all three landing gear points. A fire broke out in the engine compartment due to a ruptured fuel line but was extinguished using the onboard fire suppression system. One passenger sustained injuries, while the crew and other passengers were not seriously harmed.
Aircraft Condition
The impact caused significant structural damage, including deformation of the fuselage, all four wing surfaces, and the engine mount. The engine frame deformed and dropped with the powerplant. Approximately 400 liters of fuel leaked onto the ground following the rupture of the fuel system. The oil radiator was broken, and the oil tank was punctured by the starter motor, resulting in a complete loss of lubricant. The propeller blades were severely deformed due to high rotational speed during impact.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that no technical failure of the aircraft or its systems contributed to the accident. Witness statements and crew reports indicated normal operation prior to the incident. The primary causes identified were: 1. Exceeding the maximum allowable commercial weight. 2. Exceeding the maximum allowable aft center of gravity limit. 3. Carrying more passengers than the number of installed seats. 4. Incorrect baggage distribution. 5. Lack of baggage weighing facilities at Suwałki Aerodrome.
Recommendations and Conclusions
The state commission concluded that the aircraft LY-ADO and its engine were unsuitable for repair or restoration. It was recommended that aviation companies strictly adhere to flight manual requirements regarding weight, balance, and cargo distribution. Additionally, it was advised that passenger numbers on AN-2 aircraft should not exceed 10, with corresponding baggage weight limits of no more than 400 kg. The commission proposed punishing those responsible for the violations in accordance with the law.