Aircraft crash during takeoff at Częstochowa-Rudniki Airport

11 fatalities • Częstochowa-Rudniki, Poland • Takeoff (climb)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area shortly after takeoff from an airport in Silesia, resulting in multiple fatalities.

What happened

During a series of skydiving operations at Częstochowa-Rudniki Airport in Silesia, a twin engine aircraft departed from runway 26C. The flight was carrying one pilot and 11 skydivers at the time of departure. While the aircraft was performing its initial climb at an altitude of approximately 100 metres, the pilot experienced technical difficulties involving the engines.

In response to the mechanical issues, the pilot notified the passengers of the emergency and attempted to perform an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a significant left roll, reaching an angle of 70°. This movement led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the plane to crash into a nearby wooded area, where the wreckage subsequently caught fire. The debris field was located 4,200 metres beyond the end of the runway.

Findings

The accident resulted in 9 fatalities and 3 serious injuries among the passengers. While three skydivers initially survived the impact with serious injuries, two of those survivors later succumbed to their wounds. The primary factor in the loss of control was the engine failure during the early climb phase.

Probable cause

Technical engine problems during the initial climb led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-07-05 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Częstochowa-Rudniki, Poland?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a wooded area shortly after takeoff from an airport in Silesia, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 2014-07-05 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-07-05 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N11WB, operated by Omega Skydiving School, at Częstochowa-Rudniki, Poland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Technical engine problems during the initial climb led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.

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