Crop spraying aircraft crash in Svalenik

No fatalities • Svalenik, Bulgaria • Flight

A crop spraying mission in Svalenik ended in an aircraft crash after the pilot lost control during a maneuver near trees.

What happened

During a scheduled agricultural mission in Svalenik, a crew was operating an aircraft for the purpose of crop spraying. While the aircraft was maintaining a low altitude and low airspeed, the captain attempted to execute a 90-degree turn. During this maneuver, the co-pilot identified an obstacle, specifically a tree measuring approximately 8 meters in height, and alerted the captain.

Following this warning, the captain removed his hands from the flight controls, resulting in a total loss of control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently struck the tree and crashed. The impact resulted in two injuries to the crew members. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the accident highlighted that the captain was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the flight. This impairment, combined with the sudden release of control inputs during a low-altitude turn, led to the collision with the obstacle.

Probable cause

The pilot's intoxication and subsequent removal of hands from the controls during a low-altitude turn caused the aircraft to strike a tree.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-04-18 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Svalenik, Bulgaria?

A crop spraying mission in Svalenik ended in an aircraft crash after the pilot lost control during a maneuver near trees.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-04-18 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-04-18 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration LZ-1147, operated by Bulair, at Svalenik, Bulgaria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's intoxication and subsequent removal of hands from the controls during a low-altitude turn caused the aircraft to strike a tree.

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