Flight Operations
On June 14, 2024, training flights were scheduled at Ulyanovsk (Baratayevka) airfield for fourth-year cadets of the Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation (UIGA), in accordance with the commercial pilot training plan. Permission for airspace use was obtained from the Samara Regional Center of the Air Traffic Management System. Command and instructor personnel, along with the participating cadets, arrived at the airfield around 02:30 and began pre-flight preparations.
The student pilot designated as pilot-in-command (student-PIC) passed medical control at 02:38. At 02:45, he received a briefing from the duty meteorologist at the aviation meteorological station, confirming that meteorological conditions were suitable for visual flight rules (VFR) operations. He also underwent a pre-flight security check by UIGA's aviation security service.
For the flying session on June 14, the student-PIC was scheduled to perform pattern flights, including one solo flight. Before the flights, the deputy commander of the air squadron administered a test on flight procedures to the student-PIC, who received a "good" grade.
The Accident Flight
All flights, including the one that ended in an accident, were conducted by the student-PIC on a DA 40 NG aircraft, registration RA-02642. After completing control flights with a "good" grade and with the instructor's permission, the student-PIC began his first solo flight.
At 06:21:10, the student-PIC took the active position on runway 20. At 06:21:44, he began smoothly increasing engine power, and at 06:21:47, the aircraft commenced its takeoff roll. The flight followed a right-hand circuit pattern at an altitude of approximately 1,450 feet (QNH) (about 442 meters), in accordance with the aircraft movement scheme in the aerodrome area. The flight had just begun its descent when the accident occurred.
Investigation
The final report of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) provides the details described above. No probable cause has been stated in the available excerpt.