Pitch Control Failure Involving Delphin-3 Aircraft

No fatalities • Россия, г. Санкт-Петербург, 6.3 км северо-западнее от административного центра г. Кронштадт

A Delphin-3 aircraft, registration RA-0539G, experienced a pitch control device failure during a training flight near Kronstadt, Russia.

On May 28, 2025, a Delphin-3 aircraft, registration RA-0539G, was conducting a training flight over the Gulf of Finland. The pilot-in-command had prepared the aircraft at the Bychye Pole parking area, performing an engine run-up between 10:34 and 10:42. The flight plan was submitted to the Regional Center of Air Traffic Services in St. Petersburg at 10:47.

At 11:25, the pilot and one passenger departed the airfield. Following takeoff, the pilot deviated from the original flight plan, instead following a standard arrival procedure (STAR) toward a landing site in Bychye Pole. The aircraft maintained an altitude of 300 meters and performed several turns with bank angles reaching 30 degrees.

Investigation of the aircraft, RA-0539G, included a review of external surveillance footage and cockpit video recorded by a GoPro camera. The surveillance footage from the Bychye Pole site showed no atmospheric precipitation or visibility-impairing weather during the pre-flight or takeoff phases. Audio analysis from the cockpit recordings indicated no abnormal engine noises during the start, warm-up, or takeoff sequences.

Technical examination of the AvMap Ultra EFIS PFD and its microSD card was conducted by the Interstate Aviation Committee laboratory. While the pilot display was designed to show flight parameters such as airspeed, the investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the pitch control system.

Probable cause

The failure of the pitch control device was caused by corrosion on the contacts and rings of the gearbox position-limiting mechanism for the SU-011 propeller control actuator.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-05-28 Дельфин-3 accident near Россия, г. Санкт-Петербург, 6.3 км северо-западнее от административного центра г. Кронштадт?

A Delphin-3 aircraft, registration RA-0539G, experienced a pitch control device failure during a training flight near Kronstadt, Russia.

Were there any fatalities in the 2025-05-28 Дельфин-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-05-28 involved a Дельфин-3, registration RA-0539G, operated by Частное лицо, at Россия, г. Санкт-Петербург, 6.3 км северо-западнее от административного центра г. Кронштадт.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pitch control device was caused by corrosion on the contacts and rings of the gearbox position-limiting mechanism for the SU-011 propeller control actuator.

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