| Date: April 23, 1938 |
Personnel: Karlis Bandenieks |
Aircraft Involved: VEF / Irbitis I-14 |
Location: Lake Kisezers |
Details:
- Accident occured during an early test flight.
- While flying slowly at an altitude of about 500 metres the pilot turned and
slipped into a spin. He recovered from the spin, but by then was barely at
treetop height. Deciding that he would not be able to avoid a crash, he switched
off the engine and flew the plane into the treetops. As the aircraft plowed
through the trees the wing and tailplane disintegrated, absorbing most of the
momentum.
- Bandenieks emerged almost unscathed (aside from a minor cut across his nose
caused by a tree branch which had penetrated the canopy). The aircraft, however
was a total write-off and little could even be salvaged for parts.
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