Statement by the Lithuanian Chief of Defence on the recent midair collision

August 31, 2011 Ministry of National Defense (Lithuania) – defpro.com

On 30 August, at approx. 10 a.m., a Lithuanian Air Force light attack aircraft L-39 ZA Albatross collided midair with a French fighter aircraft Mirage 2000 C while on training flying operation in the Lithuanian Air Force Base located in the vicinity of Siauliai, Northern Lithuania.

The both aircraft participated in the scheduled training. While up in the air, the two aircraft collided following which the light attack fighter L-39 ZA of the Lithuanian Air Force crashed down near Rekyva Lake.

The L-39 ZA pilots have survived after having been successfully ejected. The pilots were soon after located and transported by the Lithuanian Air Force search and rescue helicopter Mi-8 to the Lithuanian Air Force Base. After health check up, the pilots reported back to the service.

“Following the collide, the pilots did what they could do to direct the aircraft to non-residential area to avoid civil damage, “ said Lieutenant General Arvydas Pocius, Chief of Defence of Lithuania at a press conference held in the Ministry of National.

The French fighter aircraft Mirage 2000 C landed successfully but with some damage to the stabilizer.

Prior to the training, the flying personnel underwent all necessary instructions and health check ups.

The incident is currently under further investigation.

Additional information on Mirrage 2000 and L-39 ZA

L-39 ZA:

• Producer: Czech Republic

• Lenght: 12.13 m

• Wingspan: 9.46 m

• Height: 4.77 m

• Max takeoff weight: 5600 kg

• Powerplant: AI-25TL

• Max flight range: 2000 km

• Max speed: 760 km/h

• Service ceiling: 11150 km

• Crew: 1; (training: 2)

• Armament: GSh-23L 23 millimeter twin barreled cannon; missile S-5; „Air-to-air" missile R-3S.

• Aerobombs: 50, 100, 250, 500 kg

General characteristics of Mirage 2000 C

• Producer: France

• Lenght: 14.36 m

• Wingspan: 9.13 m

• Height: 5.20 m

• Max takeoff weight: 17,000 kg

• Powerplant: SNECMA M53-P2

• Max flight range: 3335 km

• Max speed: 2530+ km/h

• Max flight height: 17060 m

• Crew: 1