Introduction
On 12 March 2014, at approximately 18:54 local time, an aviation accident occurred involving a Sky Ranger ultralight aircraft, registration YL-VJK, in the village of Jaunaglona, Aglonas novads, Latvia. The aircraft was piloted by its owner, who was the sole occupant.
Flight Description
The pilot arrived at Spilves airfield around 17:00 to retrieve the aircraft after a periodic maintenance inspection performed by SIA "Aero Restoration." Following pre-flight procedures, the pilot departed Spilves at 17:33, en route to the landing area in Jaunaglona.
While approaching the landing site at an altitude of 600 meters, the pilot reduced engine power to idle and began a gradual descent. At approximately 50 meters above ground, the pilot observed that the landing area was still 250–300 meters away. He then abruptly increased engine power, at which point the engine stopped. The aircraft continued descending with the engine off, caught tree tops, and struck the ground from about 15 meters, overturning onto its upper fuselage and coming to rest.
Injuries
The pilot sustained serious injuries. No other persons were injured. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided and was transported to Daugavpils regional hospital for medical treatment.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including deformation and tearing of the engine cowling, damage to the propeller spinner and cabin windshield, one broken propeller blade, deformed longerons and control elements, a fractured instrument panel, bent engine mount brackets, and shifted engine components. Despite the damage, the aircraft was deemed repairable due to its modular construction.
Aircraft Information
The Sky Ranger is a two-seat ultralight high-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle landing gear, manufactured by AEROS S.r.l. under license from Bestoff Aircraft. The accident aircraft (serial number 0802864) was manufactured in 2008 and registered in Latvia on 2 October 2008 with a special airworthiness certificate as an experimental aircraft. It was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS engine and a three-blade Kievprop propeller. The total airframe time was approximately 1069 hours. The aircraft had undergone a periodic maintenance inspection (100h/200h/1000h) between 24 February and 12 March 2014.
Meteorological Conditions
According to data from the Daugavpils meteorological station, between 16:00 and 20:00 on 12 March 2014, the average temperature ranged from 2.8°C to 7.4°C, wind speeds varied between 1 m/s and 4 m/s, and visibility was suitable for visual flight rules (VFR).
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 61-year-old Latvian citizen, held a valid pilot license (LVA-050L, issued 18 July 2013, valid until 18 July 2018) and a Class 2 medical certificate (valid until 12 February 2014). His total flying experience was approximately 1080 hours, with 1 hour 21 minutes on the day of the accident.
Investigation
The Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (TNGIIB) received notification at 20:20 on 12 March from the State Police. Investigators examined the accident site, photographed evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The engine compartment was sealed on 13 March, and the aircraft was moved to the owner's hangar for further examination.
Conclusion
The aircraft caught tree tops during the approach, lost speed, and impacted the ground. The accident resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.