What happened
On February 7, 2016, a private pilot was conducting a flight from Warsaw Babice to Żar, with a planned turnaround at Żar. Due to a southerly wind, the flight duration extended to two hours. Fearing fatigue and physiological needs, the pilot decided to divert to Żar Airport (EPRZ).
During the flight, the pilot was informed by FIS Kraków of severe turbulence in the mountainous region, a condition confirmed by GAMET messages and other pilots in the area. Despite suggestions to divert to an alternative airport like Kaniów, the pilot chose to proceed to Żastaw.
Upon approaching the airport, the pilot maintained a speed of 65–70 knots. During the fourth turn, executed with a high bank angle at an altitude of approximately 1,400–1,500 feet, the pilot excessively increased the aircraft's speed and configured the flaps to the takeoff position. The aircraft approached runway 05 with an offset of approximately 10 degrees to the left and at excessive speed. Consequently, the touchdown occurred much further down the runway than anticipated, specifically in the final section of runway 05.
The P2002JF bounced twice on the wet surface. During the third impact, the aircraft lost directional control by an additional 10 degrees. The pilot applied heavy braking using the handbrake to stop within the airport boundaries. The high energy of the landing, combined with the wet surface and intense braking, caused the nose wheel to sink into the ground, resulting in the nose gear strut breaking above the swing arm. The aircraft came to a stop supported by the engine cowling, with both propeller blades destroyed and the engine cowling deformed. The pilot exited the cabin uninjured.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's communications with air traffic services, and the physical state of the aircraft and runway surface. The investigation focused on the configuration of the aircraft during approach, the impact of the weather conditions, and the mechanical failure of the landing gear following the high-energy touchdown.
Findings
- The pilot decided to land at EPRZ despite receiving explicit warnings regarding severe turbulence.
- The aircraft was excessively accelerated during the fourth turn of the approach.
- The pilot performed the landing using takeoff flaps, which prevented effective deceleration and caused the touchdown point to shift toward the end of the runway.
- The landing was executed at an excessive speed, contributing to the bounces on the runway.
- The use of the handbrake on the wet surface caused the nose wheel to dig into the ground, leading to the structural failure of the nose gear.
- Contributing factors included a lack of proficiency in operating at mountain airports and the failure to account for the reported difficult atmospheric conditions.