Ultralight Aircraft Capsizes During Landing on Unprepared Field

Casualties unknown • Horodek / Jezioro Solińskie, PL

An ultralight aircraft experienced a nose-over and capsized after the nose gear sank into soft ground during a landing on a private meadow near Lake Solina.

What happened

On May 3, 2015, a pilot operating under a Slovakian sport pilot license departed Krosno Airport (EPKR) in an FK-9 Mk III ultralight aircraft, registration OM-M108, for a recreational flight. While the pilot's original intention was to land at the Horodek landing field near Lake Solina, the pilot decided to land instead on a large, private, undulating meadow in the vicinity of that location.

The landing was performed in a northwesterly direction, heading toward a slope. The terrain of the meadow was uneven and the ground was waterlogged. During the final phase of the landing roll, the nose gear wheel sank into the soft ground. This sudden resistance caused the nose gear fork to break away from the strut. The aircraft's momentum created a deep furrow in the earth, lasting several dozen meters, which indicated a high speed during the rollout. As the aircraft continued to roll down the slope, the nose pitched forward, causing the propeller to strike the ground and sustain significant damage. The aircraft eventually lost directional control, veering approximately 20 degrees to the right, and capsized after a rollout of approximately 160 meters.

The pilot was able to exit the cabin safely on his own after turning off the ignition and unbuckling his seatbelt. Nearby recreational pilots observed the incident and notified flight services.

The investigation

The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's damage, the tracks left in the terrain, and the flight path. Investigators noted that the extensive damage to the airframe, engine, and propeller, combined with the deep furrow in the ground, pointed to a high-energy event. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot was not under the influence of alcohol, as a breathalyzer test yielded a result of 0.00 mg/l.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to land on unprepared terrain without knowing the surface conditions, combined with a landing speed that significantly exceeded the recommended limits for this aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-05-03 FK-9 MK III accident near Horodek / Jezioro Solińskie, PL?

An ultralight aircraft experienced a nose-over and capsized after the nose gear sank into soft ground during a landing on a private meadow near Lake Solina.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-05-03 involved a FK-9 MK III, registration OM-M108, at Horodek / Jezioro Solińskie, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to land on unprepared terrain without knowing the surface conditions, combined with a landing speed that significantly exceeded the recommended limits for this aircraft type.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-0619/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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