Aircraft stall and crash during takeoff from Tushino Airport

No fatalities • Tushino, Russia • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft involved in a skydiving operation crashed shortly after takeoff from Tushino Airport due to an improper center of gravity.

What happened

During a skydiving operation departing from Tushino Airport, an aircraft experienced a loss of control immediately following takeoff. The incident began during the initial takeoff roll when the pilot initiated the run before the passengers had properly secured themselves in their seats. This premature acceleration caused the skydivers to be thrown toward the rear of the cabin.

As the aircraft reached liftoff, the sudden shift in weight caused the center of gravity to move outside of the safe operating limits, specifically becoming too far aft. This imbalance led to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed, resulting in significant damage to the airframe. Despite the impact, the pilot and all 10 passengers managed to exit the wreckage without any injuries.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the stall was an unstable center of gravity caused by the aft movement of passengers.
  • The incident was triggered by the pilot beginning the takeoff sequence before all occupants were seated and stabilized.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall because the center of gravity shifted too far aft during takeoff after passengers were thrown to the rear of the cabin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-01-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Tushino, Russia?

An aircraft involved in a skydiving operation crashed shortly after takeoff from Tushino Airport due to an improper center of gravity.

Were there any fatalities in the 1993-01-21 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-01-21 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration 26 black, operated by DOSAAF, at Tushino, Russia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall because the center of gravity shifted too far aft during takeoff after passengers were thrown to the rear of the cabin.

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