Zone

Crash of a Piper PA-46-500TP Malibu Meridian in Tartu

Date & Time: Nov 24, 2006 at 1705 LT
Operator:
Registration:
OE-KDM
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Tartu - Dresden
MSN:
46-97111
YOM:
2001
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft departed Tartu-Ülenurme Airport on a private flight to Dresden, carrying two passengers and one pilot. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing to a height of about 300-500 metres, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a field located about 500 metres past the runway end. All three occupants were seriously injured and rescued an hour later. The aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
The following findings were identified:
- Pilot’s inability to maintain necessary altitude and terrain clearance due to the spatial disorientation type 1 (unrecognized).
- Dark terrain, the absence of visual horizon and ambient light, the long duty time of the pilot and unfamiliarity with the airport can be considered as contributing factors to the accident.

Crash of a Douglas C-47A-1-DK near Tartu: 6 killed

Date & Time: Feb 17, 1944 at 2040 LT
Operator:
Registration:
CCCP-L847
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Kudrovo - Kudrovo
MSN:
12133
YOM:
2
Location:
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
6
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The crew left Kudrovo AFB in Leningrad to the area of Tartu in order to drop a reconnaissance team behind the German lines. The aircraft crashed in unknown circumstances near the target, about 20 km from Tartu. No trace of the aircraft nor the six crew members was found.