Accident Overview
On August 8, 2021, at approximately 10:55 UTC, an amateur-built ANBO-II replica aircraft, registered LY-BDJ, sustained an engine malfunction shortly after take-off from runway 21 at Cēsis airfield (EVCA), Latvia. The aircraft was part of a group of five aircraft flying from Tartu, Estonia, to Biržai, Lithuania, with a planned stop for refuelling at Cēsis. During a left turn at low altitude, the aircraft entered a left spin and collided with the ground. The pilot suffered fatal injuries, and the passenger was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state. There was no post-impact fire.
Flight History
The aircraft took off from Tartu airfield (EETR) earlier that day and flew to Cēsis without any reported engine issues. After landing and refuelling, it departed Cēsis at 13:30 local time (10:30 UTC) for the next leg. According to video recordings, witness statements, and the passenger's account, the engine became unstable approximately 10 seconds after take-off, at an altitude of about 25–30 meters. The aircraft continued climbing for another 14 seconds while its speed decreased. At around 40 meters altitude, the pilot warned the passenger over the radio about an impending left turn. During the turn, the pilot stated in a calm voice that he would apply full engine power to clear the interruptions; at that moment, the indicated airspeed was 80–90 km/h. The engine then stabilized, but the aircraft entered a left spin and struck the ground within 5 seconds at high vertical speed.
Aircraft Information
The ANBO-II is a parasol-wing monoplane designed in 1927 as a pilot trainer. The accident aircraft was a full-size flying replica built between 2016 and 2018 by Rolandas Kalinauskas and Arvydas Šabrinskas. It was powered by a Shvetsov M-11FR five-cylinder radial engine, manufactured in 1956, and a fixed-pitch propeller. The aircraft held a Special Certificate of Airworthiness and was classified as Experimental-Amateur. Its total time in service as of June 1, 2021, was 70 hours and 43 minutes.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 59-year-old male, held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) issued on May 28, 2018, and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. His total flying time on the ANBO-II was approximately 91 hours. No documented flight hours specifically on the accident aircraft type were found.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed, with substantial damage to the engine and fuselage.
Weather and Site Details
The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions. Meteorological data from nearby stations reported south wind at 3.2 m/s with gusts up to 5.8 m/s, visibility 20 km, and no significant weather phenomena. The accident site was at the Cēsis airfield in Priekuļi district.
Investigation
The Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau of Latvia (TAIIB) conducted the investigation. The aircraft wreckage was recovered and examined at the TAIIB hangar. The investigation focused on the engine malfunction and the sequence of events leading to the loss of control.