Flight Details
The accident aircraft, a Cirrus SR20 registered as PH-YMC, was operated by YouFly BC. On 20 May 2023, it departed from Maribor Airport (LJMB), Slovenia, at 11:22 local time as part of a group of eight light aircraft on a recreational tour. The destination was Pula Airport (LDPL), Croatia. The pilot had filed a VFR flight plan routing from Maribor via the ALIVO entry point into Croatia, then toward Rijeka and along the eastern coast of Istria to Pula.
Accident Sequence
The group did not fly in formation; each pilot navigated independently. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot of PH-YMC informed air traffic control that he was changing heading due to meteorological conditions. The aircraft turned southeast, then south, crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border near Severin na Kupi at 12:22 LT—about 37 km east of the planned entry point.
Upon entering Croatian airspace, the pilot contacted Croatian ATC, which provided a pressure setting and an altitude restriction of 1000 ft AGL. The aircraft then flew over the A3 highway and continued south into the mountainous terrain of Gorski Kotar and later toward Mala Kapela.
Impact and Wreckage
The aircraft struck the Mala Kapela mountain slope slightly below the ridge line. It was located the same day in a forested area. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. All three occupants—Dutch nationals—sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Croatian Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency (AIN), determined that the aircraft had flown into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without maintaining visual reference. The pilot deviated from the planned route and continued flight in reduced visibility. No mechanical or system malfunctions were identified.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was flight into terrain in conditions without required visibility.