Incident
Shortly after takeoff from Shakhty Airport in Rostov oblast, the pilot of a single-engine aircraft experienced an engine problem. He chose to perform an emergency landing in an open field located approximately 500 meters from the airport. During touchdown, the aircraft lost its undercarriage, wings, and tail before coming to rest in bushes. The pilot was uninjured and fled the scene, but was arrested by police a few hours later.
Aircraft and Pilot Info
The pilot worked as a technician at a plant located at Shakhty Airport and had been the owner of the aircraft for seven months. He was conducting a local test flight at the time of the incident. According to Russian authorities, he was not in possession of any valid pilot license.
Aftermath
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, with the undercarriage, wings, and tail separated from the fuselage. The pilot's arrest followed his flight from the accident site. No other injuries or damage were reported.