A small aircraft crashed on 9 August in the yard of the Astra Vagoane Arad freight wagon factory, killing the 47-year-old pilot and an 18-year-old passenger. The Zenair CH 601 XL Zodiac, registered YR-5078, disappeared from radar at approximately 365 meters above ground while traveling at 140 km/h, before following a 530-550 meter trajectory and striking the ground, where it exploded, according to a preliminary report by the Civil Aviation Safety Investigation and Analysis Authority (AIAS).
The aircraft, designed for recreational and cross-country flights and not approved for aerobatics, was single-engine with two side-by-side seats and equipped with a ROTAX 912ULS engine. After takeoff from Siria airfield, the pilot maintained radio contact with Arad International Airport air traffic control. Surveillance recordings and witness statements were collected during the investigation, which is ongoing.
The deceased pilot held a valid ultralight license, with total flight experience of 11,915 hours, including 315 hours on ULM-class aircraft. Authorities clarified that the crash caused no injuries on the ground, as the factory hall nearby had been permanently closed.
Prosecutors from the Timisoara Court of Appeal opened a case under the Aviation Code for violations of civil aviation duties that endangered flight safety, leading to fatalities. The investigation remains in rem, focusing on the act itself rather than individuals.
The final AIAS report, including probable causes and conclusions, will be published upon completion of the investigation.
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