What happened
On October 6, 2018, at approximately 11:10 LMT, a pilot operating a WT-9 Dynamic ultralight aircraft was returning from a solo flight to Bielsko-Biała Airport (EPBA). After two previous unsuccessful landing attempts that resulted in go-arounds, the pilot initiated a third approach.
The aircraft touched down at a high speed near the midpoint of the runway. As the pilot attempted to brake to avoid an airport perimeter fence located at the end of the runway, the aircraft began bouncing on the surface. In response to the bouncing, the pilot pushed the control stick forward. This input caused the aircraft to strike the runway hard on the nose gear, resulting in a broken landing gear strut and contact between the propeller and the ground. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway. The pilot, who was wearing a seatbelt, exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events, the pilot's actions, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was a qualified ultralight pilot with 137 total flight hours, 36 of which were on the WT-9 Dynamic. The pilot was not under the influence of alcohol and held a valid medical certificate.
Meteorological conditions were reported as CAVOK, but with winds from 180° at 7 m/s, gusting to 13 m/s. The investigation noted that moderate turbulence was present during the approach, caused by rotors from the leeward side of the Beskid Śląski mountains.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's improper reaction to the aircraft bouncing on the runway, specifically the decision to push the control stick forward.
- The pilot's stress levels were likely elevated due to the two preceding failed landing attempts.
- The landing was performed at an increased speed near the middle of the runway.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including a broken nose gear strut, damaged propeller blades and spinner, damage to the fuselage underside and engine cowling, and damage to the exhaust manifold and oil cooler.