What happened
On May 20, 2018, the pilot of a privately owned Su-29, registration RA-2828G, arrived at the Kummolovo settlement. Before the flight, the pilot refueled the aircraft using automotive gasoline, believed to be AI-92, which had been purchased at a Tatneft service station in Koporskoye, Lomonosov District, Leningrad Oblast. The pilot did not submit any notification regarding the use of airspace to the Saint Petersburg Air Traffic Control Center.
Following several flights in a Yak-52 aircraft earlier that day, the pilot decided to conduct another flight in the Su-29 at approximately 13:30. At 13:59, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a steep dive and struck the ground. The impact caused the fuel tank to rupture, and the leaking fuel ignited due to the engine, which was still running at the time of impact. Witnesses on the ground managed to extinguish the resulting fire.
The investigation
The investigation involved an examination of the wreckage and the crash site, along with the analysis of video materials and eyewitness accounts. Investigators noted that the aircraft was destroyed upon impact and partially consumed by fire. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was killed in the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft was fueled with automotive gasoline.
- The pilot failed to notify air traffic control of the intended flight.