Single-engine aircraft collision with power line near Pagėgiai

1 fatality • Pagėgiai, Lithuania • Flight

A single-engine airplane crashed in Lithuania after striking high-voltage power lines during a crop spraying mission, resulting in one fatality.

What happened

During a scheduled agricultural spraying operation for the Nemunas state horse farm, a single-engine airplane was operating near Pagėgiai in the Šilute district of Lithuania. While flying at an altitude of approximately 20 meters, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines. The collision occurred while the crew was flying directly toward the low sun, which likely impacted visibility.

Following the impact with the lines, the aircraft entered a stall and crashed into the ground roughly 130 meters away from the initial point of contact. The impact forces and a subsequent intense fire destroyed the airframe. Of the two people on board, both sustained serious injuries during the accident; however, the copilot later succumbed to their injuries that evening.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crew was operating with an improper flight configuration. This incorrectly configured aircraft setup was attributed to a lack of adequate organizational oversight and poor procedural standards within the operation.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the crew utilizing an incorrect flight configuration due to insufficient organizational procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-03-14 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Pagėgiai, Lithuania?

A single-engine airplane crashed in Lithuania after striking high-voltage power lines during a crop spraying mission, resulting in one fatality.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-03-14 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-03-14 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration CCCP-96276, operated by Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines, at Pagėgiai, Lithuania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the crew utilizing an incorrect flight configuration due to insufficient organizational procedures.

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