Lt. aviator Ioan Oprisan

[Alexandru C.]

Hi,

Lt. Ioan Oprisan died on 14.08.1934. I have a letter received by my grandfather from another aviator wich signed "Aristide" (could be Lt. Aristide Dumitrescu). He describes the death circumstances. They both executed a 20 min flight, Lt. Oprisan on an I.A.R. and "Aristide" on a P.Z.L.
While Lt. Oprisan was coming to landing after his acrobatic exercise, the plane engaged in a spiral and hit the ground. He died instantly.
Can you tell me what type of I.A.R. it was? My supposition is I.A.R.-14.

Thanks and regards.

[Dénes]

In 1934, only the I.A.R. 14 was built in series (all other aircraft bearing the I.A.R. name were prototypes). Therefore, I believe your supposition is correct.
It would be great to know the unit Lt. av. Ioan Oprisan, and the location of the accident. It would narrow down the possibilities.

Gen. Dénes

[Alexandru C.]

It’s weird because the I.A.R. 14 appears without any accident, e.g Wikipedia, but of course this source it’s not always very accurate.

I don’t have additional info but I think they were part of the Pipera Fighter Flotilla except Fighter Squadron 2. I know the members of Squadron 2 because my grandfather was part of it.
At the aerial meeting on 26 aug. 1934 Bra?ov Cpt. Ath. Georgescu, Lt. N. Ticulescu (Fighter Squadron 2, my grandfather) and Adj.-chief M. Giossan (also Fighter Squadron 2) flew in formation of 3 I.A.R. planes.
I hope it helped a little.
Alexandru

[Dénes]

Thanks, Alexandru. Your answer certainly helps clarifying the events.

Don't take Wikipedia as valid source. The story of the I.A.R. 14 fighter trainers is very sketchy, not much concrete information is available.

By chance, do you have the logbook (carnet de sbor) of your grandfather? That would further clarify the topic.

Gen. Dénes

[Alexandru C.]

Unfortunately we don't have it anymore. You can find some info about his activity here https://www.aviatori.ro/dict_pers.php?sel=T , part of them from Mr. Dan Antoniu.

Alexandru

[Alexandru C.]

According to the "Dimineata" newspaper of 16.08.1934, Lt. Oprisan was flying on a I.A.R. 14, plane, No 3.

[Alexandru C.]

The accident was near the Pipera airfield.
Alexandru