What happened
On September 16, 2016, at Leszino Aerodrome (EPLS), a JAK 12 M aircraft, registration SP-FKR, was performing glider towing operations for the Centralna Szkoła Szybowcowa w Lesznie. During its sixth flight of the day, the aircraft was towing a Puchacz glider when the glider released from the towline, simulating an emergency situation.
To avoid obstructing the runway for the landing glider, the pilot reported via radio that they would perform a short landing near the runway markings. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn to align with runway 06 and deployed full flaps. The aircraft touched down on its main landing gear with the tail slightly raised. After a light bounce on the runway, the pilot applied excessive braking, causing the tail to lift. This resulted in the propeller striking the runway surface. The aircraft subsequently overturned onto its back.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events following the release of the glider and the subsequent landing maneuver. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's configuration, the pilot's radio communications, and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. The investigation also considered environmental factors, specifically whether sun glare could have affected the pilot's vision during the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error involving overly aggressive braking during the final phase of the landing roll.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, engine cowling, right wing spoiler, vertical stabilizer, and left wing strut.
- While the investigator suggested that sun glare might have contributed to the incident, the commission determined that such blinding glare was unlikely given the landing direction (runway 06) and the time of the accident (approximately 11:07 LMT).
- The pilot sustained light injuries.