Fatal aircraft accident involving JAK-52 near Kaišiadorys

Casualties unknown • LT

A JAK-52 aircraft crashed during a landing approach in Lithuania, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On August 26, 1995, a JAK-52, registration LY-AHX, operated by Kaunas Aeroklubas, crashed near the former Pyplių agricultural aviation aerodrome in the Kaišiadorys district. The aircraft was performing a landing approach at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. During the fourth turn of the approach, the pilot attempted to increase the bank angle and load to complete the maneuver with less lateral deviation, but failed to maintain sufficient power. This resulted in the aircraft entering a deep spiral with an intense vertical descent.

The aircraft struck the ground and subsequently hit a telephone pole, causing it to spin and catch fire. The impact caused significant structural failure, including the breakage of the nose gear support and the failure of three out of four engine mount bolts. One occupant, the pilot in the rear cockpit, died from his injuries on September 21, 1995. The pilot in the front cockpit sustained injuries but continued outpatient treatment.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight maneuvers, the crew's adherence to operational procedures, and the maintenance of pilot licenses. The authority established that the flight leader had failed to properly assess wind direction before initiating the approach. Furthermore, the investigation found that the flight leader had delegated control of the aircraft to a student pilot whose proficiency level was unknown to him. The investigation also identified discrepancies in pilot licensing and training records within the aero club.

Findings

  • The direct cause of the accident was the execution of a delayed fourth turn with an excessive bank angle (up to 90°), leading to a deep spiral and loss of altitude.
  • The flight leader failed to establish a proper landing approach methodology, specifically failing to account for wind direction.
  • The flight leader neglected active control of the aircraft, relying instead on a student pilot.
  • The crew violated established flight manual requirements regarding minimum altitude (150m) and maximum bank angle (30°) during the fourth turn maneuver.
  • The flight leader's decision to perform a repeated approach was delayed.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an excessive bank angle during a landing maneuver which induced a deep spiral, compounded by the pilot's failure to monitor flight parameters and account for wind conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-26 JAK-52 accident near LT?

A JAK-52 aircraft crashed during a landing approach in Lithuania, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-26 involved a JAK-52, registration LY-AHX, at LT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an excessive bank angle during a landing maneuver which induced a deep spiral, compounded by the pilot's failure to monitor flight parameters and account for wind conditions.

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