Accident Details
A single-engine aircraft departed Tartu-Ülenurme Airport on a private flight to Dresden, carrying two passengers and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of approximately 300-500 metres, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field located about 500 metres past the runway end.
Rescue and Damage
All three occupants were seriously injured and were rescued approximately one hour after the crash. The aircraft was destroyed.
Official Findings
According to the official investigation, the probable cause was the pilot's inability to maintain necessary altitude and terrain clearance due to spatial disorientation type 1 (unrecognized). The following contributing factors were identified: dark terrain, the absence of visual horizon and ambient light, the long duty time of the pilot, and unfamiliarity with the airport.