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Aircraft Deviates on Takeoff from Craiova Airport, Strikes Snow Berm (YR-SBK)

Craiova, RomaniaTakeoff (climb)

On February 13, 2012, a Saab 2000 (registration YR-SBK) operated by Carpatair was involved in an aviation accident near Craiova, Romania during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the runway has not been properly cleared of snow prior to takeoff. This caused the lights on both edges to be not visible to the crew. The crew failed to assess the takeoff conditions, the runway conditions and weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Romanian Safety Investigation and Analysis Authority for Civil Aviation (AIAS)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered YR-SBK
Aircraft registered YR-SBK. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff from Craiova Airport in freezing fog, an aircraft deviated right, striking a snow berm. The right propeller was torn off; all 55 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident Description

The crew initiated the takeoff procedure from runway 09 at Craiova Airport. Visibility was reported as 500 metres due to freezing fog. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft deviated to the right. As a result, the right engine struck a snow berm approximately one metre high. The impact caused the right propeller to separate from the engine. The aircraft then rolled for several metres before coming to rest in snow.

Aftermath

All 55 occupants evacuated the aircraft safely. The aircraft itself was damaged beyond repair.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the runway had not been properly cleared of snow prior to takeoff. This condition caused the lights on both edges of the runway to be not visible to the crew. The crew failed to assess the takeoff conditions, the runway conditions, and the weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: the takeoff conditions exceeded the training level of the crew, and there was a change of takeoff procedure without prior training.

Probable cause

It was determined that the runway has not been properly cleared of snow prior to takeoff. This caused the lights on both edges to be not visible to the crew. The crew failed to assess the takeoff conditions, the runway conditions and weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: the takeoff conditions exceeded the training level of the crew, and change of takeoff procedure without prior training.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 2012 Saab 2000 accident near Craiova, Romania?

During takeoff from Craiova Airport in freezing fog, an aircraft deviated right, striking a snow berm. The right propeller was torn off; all 55 occupants evacuated safely. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 2012 Saab 2000 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 2012 involved a Saab 2000, registration YR-SBK, operated by Carpatair, at Craiova, Romania.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the runway has not been properly cleared of snow prior to takeoff. This caused the lights on both edges to be not visible to the crew. The crew failed to assess the takeoff conditions, the runway conditions and weather conditions. The following contributing factors were identified: the takeoff…

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