No fatalities

2013-06-19: PZL-Mielec AN-2 (HA-MDP) — Gergely Air — Fertöszentmiklós, Hungary

Fertöszentmiklós, HungaryTakeoff (climb)

On June 19, 2013, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration HA-MDP) operated by Gergely Air was involved in an aviation accident near Fertöszentmiklós, Hungary during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the result of a turn at low altitude and insufficient speed under the circumstances. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781194138Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft on a mosquito spraying mission lost engine power shortly after takeoff, crashed in a cornfield, and was damaged beyond repair. Both pilots escaped uninjured.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft operating a local mosquito spraying mission crashed shortly after departing Fertöszentmiklós Airport. The aircraft, carrying two pilots, was destroyed beyond repair in the accident, but both crew members escaped without injury.

Flight and Sequence of Events

The flight began with a takeoff from runway 16. While in the initial climb with flaps set to 15 degrees, the crew experienced a loss of engine power accompanied by vibrations. During a subsequent left turn, the aircraft lost altitude, struck the ground, and came to rest in a cornfield. The exact time of day and weather conditions were not specified in the official findings.

Aftermath

Emergency services responded to the crash site. Both pilots were found uninjured and did not require medical attention. The aircraft sustained catastrophic damage and was declared a total loss. The mission was intended to be a local spraying operation against mosquitoes.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a turn at low altitude and insufficient speed under the circumstances. Several contributing factors were identified: high ambient temperatures, the aircraft's static load at its maximum permissible level, unnecessary engagement of the dust filter, unjustified use of carburetor heating, an increase in propeller angle at the given flight position, and a reduction of engine power by retarding the throttle in that flight position.