What happened
On June 25, 2017, a Piper CUB was performing a flight demonstration when the pilot experienced a sudden impact against the concrete runway during takeoff from the Kraków-Czyżyny landing field (EPKC). The pilot reported a suspected tailwheel strike to the flight controller via radio. While observers on the ground did not immediately notice damage to the tailwheel, the pilot of a second aircraft participating in the demonstration noted that the main landing gear appeared to be in an unnatural position.
Due to the suspected structural damage, the pilot decided to divert to the grass landing strip at Pobiednik Wielki (EPKP). After coordinating with air traffic services, the aircraft departed for EPKP, accompanied by the second aircraft, which landed first to establish emergency fire protection along runway 27. Upon approach, the pilot executed the landing by cutting the magnetos and closing the fuel valve at minimum speed. During the final rollout, the aircraft tilted onto its right wing and veered approximately 5 degrees to the right, coming to a stop resting on the right wingtip.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the structural integrity of the landing gear and the conditions at the departure airfield. Post-incident inspections of the aircraft revealed a fracture in the main landing gear strut specifically at a welding point. No other damage to the airframe was identified. The investigation also examined the surface conditions of the concrete runway at the initial departure point.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the poor condition of the concrete runway surface at the Kraków-Czyertyny landing field.
- The structural failure was localized to a break in the main landing gear bracket at a weld site.