What happened
On July 20, 2019, at approximately 09:00 local time, a PZL M18 Dromader, registration LZ-8008, was performing agricultural spraying operations near Kolarovo, Bulgaria. The aircraft, operated by Trakia Er EOOD, was utilizing an uncertified, temporary landing strip for the mission.
During the takeoff roll for the 15th flight of the day, the aircraft veered off course approximately 300 meters from the northeast-eastern edge of the perimeter fence. The aircraft struck 13 concrete fence posts, causing extensive damage to the airframe. After breaching the fence, the aircraft came to a stop in a nearby harvested field. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to egress the cockpit safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's performance, and the operational environment. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance logs, which showed the engine and propeller were within their service limits. The investigation also assessed the takeoff parameters, noting that the aircraft was operating at a high takeoff mass. The physical evidence at the scene included the destroyed concrete posts and the specific damage patterns on the aircraft's wings, landing gear, and propeller.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the diversion of the pilot's attention during the critical takeoff phase, triggered by the spontaneous opening of the left cockpit door, which struck the pilot in the head.
- A contributing factor was the inadequate width of the safety margins on the takeoff strip, as the aircraft was positioned with only 2 to 3 meters of clearance between the wingtip and the perimeter fence.
- The decision to take off was deemed improper due to the narrow clearance and the increased takeoff speed required by the aircraft's high takeoff mass.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure in the engine, propeller, or landing gear, nor were there any adverse meteorological conditions or bird strikes involved.