Two pilots safe and sound after ditching of an Expedition to Georgia aircraft

September 12, 2026

Suffering complete engine failure while flying over the Black Sea at approximately 2,000 metres, a WT-9 Dynamic taking part in the Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia 2026 carried out a controlled ditching. Both occupants are unharmed.

Thanks to the pilot’s experience and the composure of the two occupants, the crew of a WT-9 Dynamic avoided the worst on Wednesday 9 September over the Black Sea. While flying at 6,500 feet as part of the Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia 2026, the aircraft suffered a complete engine failure.

On board, the Belgian-Luxembourgish crew — whose pilot is a seasoned aviator — reacted swiftly. After several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the two men faced a critical decision: deploy the aircraft’s emergency parachute or attempt to land on the water. They chose a controlled ditching and carried out the manoeuvre without the slightest injury.

Meanwhile, another aircraft from the expedition, which immediately returned to the scene, circled the area above the ditching site. Its crew maintained continuous visual contact with both pilots and their aircraft until the arrival of the rescue boat.

The two men had already left the WT-9 Dynamic safely by the time the rescue boat arrived. They even had enough time to recover their bags and personal belongings before the aircraft sank into the Black Sea.

“Two people are going home”

“The aircraft has been lost, but that is ultimately anecdotal. Two people are going home safe and sound. That is what really matters.”
Peter Sodermans, organiser of the Private Pilot Expedition to Georgia 2026

Peter Sodermans thanked the emergency services for the speed and professionalism of their intervention, along with the crew of the aircraft that remained over the area and everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of operations.

The Fédération Aéronautique Luxembourgeoise (FAL) also expresses its profound relief and offers its support to the two pilots as well as to all participants in the expedition.

The exact causes of the engine failure will now have to be determined through the appropriate procedures and investigations. No hypothesis will be advanced before officially confirmed elements are available.