Flight History
On 29 May 2022, a Cessna 182, registration D-EGLF, departed from Split Airport (LDSP) at 10:37 local time, bound for Laichingen Airport (EDPJ) in Germany. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with four persons on board: a pilot and three passengers. The aircraft had arrived in Split on 26 May and was refueled with 210 liters of Avgas 100LL on the day of the accident.
After takeoff, the aircraft initially followed the flight plan heading northwest. At 10:53:30, it deviated from the planned route, turning toward Tounj at an altitude of 4,200 ft. The pilot subsequently reported avoiding large clouds and began a climb, reaching 6,900 ft while maintaining the new heading. All maneuvers were coordinated with air traffic control.
At 11:24:53, the pilot declared an emergency and reported a loss of altitude. The aircraft disappeared from radar at 11:26:36. A search and rescue operation was launched, and the wreckage was located the next morning.
Wreckage and Injuries
The aircraft was found completely destroyed and burned near Bročanac, approximately 10 km south of Slunj, Croatia. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries. The wreckage was examined on site by investigators.
Investigation Findings
The Croatian Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency (AIN) conducted the investigation. It determined that the aircraft entered meteorological conditions unsuitable for VFR flight. The pilot had not received training for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and was not qualified to operate in such conditions. The investigation also found that the flight preparation was inadequate and that the pilot lacked sufficient situational awareness regarding the evolving weather.
Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors included meteorological conditions unsuitable for VFR flight, inadequate pre-flight preparation, the pilot's insufficient awareness of the actual situation, and the pilot's lack of IFR qualification.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the AIN, as the factors involved are well recognized in aviation practice and are already addressed by existing regulations.