Яки в Америке (accident report for 2003)
On January 16, 2003, approximately 1155 mountain standard time, a Yakovlev YAK 52, N2256J, registered to and operated by YAK Attack Squadron LLC of Park City, Utah, was destroyed when it impacted terrain, exploded, and burned at Midway, Utah. The two airline transport certificated pilots were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The local flight originated at Heber City, Utah, at an undetermined time.
Preliminary information indicates three pilots arrived at the airport. Two of the three pilots boarded the airplane and took off. The third pilot was supposed to fly with the first pilot after completion of this flight. The pilots of another airplane inbound for landing at Heber City observed the YAK 52 doing aerobatics in a designated practice area north of the airport. Reportedly, these pilots and airport personnel heard a distress call over the Unicom frequency: "We're going in," or words to that effect. The first 9-1-1 call was received by the sheriff's office at 1157.
The on-scene investigation revealed a large crater containing the burning wreckage. All of the major aircraft components were accounted for. Elevator and rudder control continuity was partially established. The wooden propeller was shattered. Witnesses reported hearing high engine power being developed shortly before impact. The two occupants were retired airline pilots.
On January 9, 2003, about 1715 mountain standard time, a Yak-3 UR-2000, N498SD, collided with terrain during an off airport forced landing at Parker, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight departed Chino, California, at an undetermined time en route to Parker. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
A witness stated that the airplane attempted to land, but appeared to land long. The airplane was near the end of the runway before the pilot attempted to go around. The witness said the engine did not sound like it was running smoothly. The airframe sustained substantial damage during a subsequent ground collision about 1.5 miles from the airport.
