"Crashed near the mill." What locals say about the hang glider that crashed yesterday

During the flight, the 45-year-old pilot lost control. A 26-year-old passenger was also on board.

Eyewitnesses reported that after gaining altitude, the motor hang glider began to descend sharply and fell to the ground. The man and the woman died at the scene from their injuries.

Investigators and forensic experts worked at the scene. The exact circumstances and causes of the crash are being investigated.

Павялічыць

"Everything they say on social media is untrue"

Later, it became known that the deceased pilot was Ruslan Ivanou, an instructor at the "Avia-Minsk" aeroclub. This was confirmed on social media by a close friend of the man, showman Siarhei Lapkouski — they used to play together in the band "Tsvet Aloye".

— I knew Ruslan for 24 years. He was an experienced pilot. According to information from his brother, during takeoff, the hang glider entered an incorrect air current, a wing broke, and they fell.

Ruslan was strapped in, and everything they say on social media is untrue (some TikTok and Threads users wrote that the pilot allegedly fell out of the aircraft during takeoff, and the girl remained alone).

It was an accident due to natural circumstances, from which no one is insured. I flew with Ruslan, probably four times, and completely trusted him with my life, — said Siarhei Lapkouski.

In the summer of 2025, journalists also flew with Ruslan in the same place, near Aziartsa.

Павялічыць

— This is the only place in Minsk where you can fly a motor hang glider or a gyrocopter. What's the difference? A gyrocopter is a small closed helicopter. A motor hang glider is more about emotions. It's completely open: wind in your face, sky all around. We joke among ourselves that an airplane carries the body, and a motor hang glider carries the soul, — the pilot explained.

"They often flew here"

Ruslan Ivanou's motor hang glider fell near the mill of the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life in Strochytsy, on whose territory the aeroclub is located. The crash site is clearly visible from the side of the village of Voulkavichy. According to local residents, flights at the airfield began with the arrival of warm weather.

— They often flew here, and last weekend, on Easter, too, — a local resident told the journalist. — Today, for example, I haven't seen anyone in the sky.

Павялічыць

A couple, whose house is located on the edge of the village, notes that hang gliders have often been seen in the sky in recent days.

— We ourselves have never flown, and there wasn't much desire. We heard that the pilot allegedly fell out of the cockpit, and the girl remained alone in the hang glider. Now, probably, after this, these flights will be banned altogether, — locals repeat the information currently circulating on social media.

Павялічыць

The crash site is illuminated by spotlights and car headlights. Currently, outsiders are not allowed there: security guards are at the museum entrance. According to the guard, the crash occurred around 3 PM.

Павялічыць

— Everyone has gathered there now, access is prohibited. Such a tragedy for people… — he said.

The identity of the deceased girl is not yet known. Ruslan previously said that most of his passengers were people who had received a flight certificate as a gift.

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