Serious incident to the experimental ultralight aircraft Rans S-10 Sakota, registration LY-BOD

2026-03-29
A-26/02
Kaunas S. Darius and S. Girėnas aerodrome (EYKS), Lithuania

On March 29, 2026, at 16.15 hrs, the experimental ultralight aircraft Rans S-10 Sakota was taking-off for a private flight from runway 27 at Kaunas S. Darius and S. Girėnas aerodrome. During take-off the aircraft’s tailwheel broke off. The pilot did not notice that the tailwheel had detached and was unaware of this during the flight. After take-off the pilot was not satisfied with the engine performance and decided to return to the aerodrome and land on the runway opposite to the departure. Two minutes after take-off the pilot landed on runway 09. During the landing roll, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the aircraft turned around. During the turn the right wing of the aircraft scratched at the runway surface.

The pilot was not injured.

Status of safety investigation:
2026-03-31 Notification received
2026-03-31 Initiated preliminary assessment for decision to conduct a safety investigation
2026-04-10 Decision made not to conduct a safety investigation (Paragraph 5 of Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 996/2010)