What happened
On January 20, 2019, at approximately 06:00, the owner of an aircraft arrived at the Shelanger airfield in a private vehicle to perform engine warm-up procedures and runway testing. At 07:00, the senior aviation official of the Shelanger site arrived at the airfield accompanied by an acquaintance of the aircraft owner. The owner requested that this acquaintance, who possessed more experience, assist with cockpit instrument familiarization, engine start-up, and taxiing procedures.
Following the engine start, the owner and the acquaintance took turns conducting engine tests and taxiing along the runway. While performing a high-speed taxi, the aircraft began to veer to the left. To avoid hitting a snow berm located along the runway, the occupants decided to initiate a takeoff. Upon the command of the acquaintance, the owner increased engine power to takeoff settings. After the aircraft became airborne and began its climb, the engine power dropped, leading to a complete engine shutdown. The aircraft entered a descent with a left bank and struck a snow-covered railway embankment. There was no fire at the scene.
The investigation
Witnesses at the airfield contacted emergency services via telephone and assisted in evacuating the two occupants to the Shelanger railway station, where medical teams were waiting. The crew members were transported to the Yoshkar-Ola City Hospital and the Zvenigor Central District Hospital for medical treatment.
Findings
- The aircraft was undergoing engine testing and taxiing maneuvers.
- Engine power loss and subsequent shutdown occurred during the initial climb phase.
- The aircraft struck a railway embankment during a left-hand descent.