What happened
On July 26, 2019, at approximately 16:55 LMT, a UL Skylark DV-1, registration SP-SASL, was performing a flight for a flight test examination. The flight originated from Katowice Muchowiece and was destined for the Goczałkowice-Zdrój landing field.
Upon arrival, the student pilot performed a flyover to assess the runway condition and wind velocity. The aircraft approached for landing on runway 26. After touchdown, approximately 150 meters from the runway threshold, the student pilot consulted the instructor-examiner regarding a potential go-around. The instructor determined that there was sufficient runway remaining to complete the landing and decided to continue, noting that a go-around might be riskier due to a high fence located at the end of the runway.
During the braking phase, the aircraft began to veer to the right. To prevent the aircraft from exiting the runway edge into tall grass, the instructor reduced braking pressure on the right wheel. This action decreased overall braking effectiveness. In an attempt to avoid the end-of-runway fence, the crew steered the aircraft to the left toward a potato field. During this maneuver, the right wing struck the fence, and the aircraft subsequently struck the fence with its nose, bringing the aircraft to a halt.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition and the crew's decision-making process. The investigation established that during the pre-flight engine test, the crew had noted that the left wheel brake required deeper pedal pressure to achieve even braking between both wheels. The instructor had previously assessed that this issue only minimally affected ground maneuvering.
Findings
- Improper landing planning, specifically performing a landing with a flyover at a short landing field.
- An incorrect decision to proceed with a full landing rather than executing a go-around.
- Uneven braking action between the main landing gear wheels, which contributed to the loss of directional control.
No injuries were sustained by the crew, though the UL Skylark DV-1 sustained significant damage to the right wing, rudder, tail skid, propeller, and engine cowling.