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10 fatalities

Mi-2 Helicopter Crashes into Lake Plateliai, Killing 10 (LY-HBW)

LT

On August 30, 1998, a Mi-2 (registration LY-HBW) was involved in an aviation accident near LT. 10 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation determined that the primary cause was the unauthorized use of the aircraft for commercial purposes without a carrier certificate. This summary draws on records from the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Service of Lithuania (TAITS).

Sourcesthe Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Service of Lithuania (TAITS)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-09Data APIEditorial standards

A Mi-2 helicopter crashed into Lake Plateliai during unauthorized low-altitude maneuvers, resulting in ten fatalities and significant environmental damage.

What happened

On a day in 1998, an Mi-2 helicopter, registration LY-HBW, operated by the individual enterprise "Aerobatika," performed a series of unauthorized passenger flights. The aircraft took off from the Mažeikiai area and landed on a wooden basketball court near the shores of Lake Plateliai to pick up passengers for a celebratory flight.

During the final phase of the flight, the pilot performed aggressive maneuvers at an extremely low altitude. While flying approximately 2 to 5 meters above the water surface with a significant left bank of about 85 degrees, the main rotor blades struck the water. The impact caused the helicopter to crash and sink into Lake Plateliai near Pilies Island.

The accident resulted in 10 fatalities: the pilot and eight passengers died at the scene, while one passenger died in the hospital seven days later. The aircraft was destroyed. Additionally, fuel from the main tank leaked into the lake, causing environmental contamination.

Probable cause

The investigation determined that the primary cause was the unauthorized use of the aircraft for commercial purposes without a carrier certificate. Contributing factors included performing dangerous maneuvers at altitudes well below the minimum safe height, difficulty in maintaining altitude due to sun reflections on the water, and the pilot's impairment by alcohol.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 1998 Mi-2 accident near LT?

A Mi-2 helicopter crashed into Lake Plateliai during unauthorized low-altitude maneuvers, resulting in ten fatalities and significant environmental damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 1998 Mi-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 1998 involved a Mi-2, registration LY-HBW, at LT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The investigation determined that the primary cause was the unauthorized use of the aircraft for commercial purposes without a carrier certificate. Contributing factors included performing dangerous maneuvers at altitudes well below the minimum safe height, difficulty in maintaining altitude due to sun reflections on…

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