What happened
On August 13, 2019, a Cessna C-172, registration SP-HPP, was engaged in a flight from Kamień Śląski to Świebodzice-Ciernie. The pilot intended to pick up a passenger for a scenic flight before returning to the origin. After departing Kamień Śląski, the pilot attempted to establish radio contact with the Świebodzice airfield. Upon receiving no response, the pilot announced an intention to fly a long final approach to runway 23.
During the approach, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing at a speed of 70 knots. Due to the very shallow approach angle, the pilot failed to sufficiently monitor the aircraft's altitude relative to the runway threshold. The aircraft touched down approximately 40 meters before the threshold on a stubble field. The nose gear struck an embankment created by a local road, which sits approximately 0.5 meters higher than the field level. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse and pitched the aircraft upward. As the aircraft was forced upward, the pilot pushed the control column forward, leading to a heavy impact with the ground at an angle of approximately 20 degrees. The impact resulted in the engine cowling being damaged, the propeller blades bending, and the fuselage breaking behind the cabin. The aircraft eventually drifted onto its left wing during the rollout.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's actions regarding radio communication, and the physical evidence at the landing site. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's maintenance documentation, which was found to be in order, and confirmed the pilot held valid PPL(A) and SEP(L) ratings. The investigators also analyzed the terrain, specifically the elevation difference between the field and the road embankment.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was incorrect landing planning.
- The pilot failed to perform a reconnaissance flyover of the airfield to assess wind conditions and surface state after failing to establish radio contact.
- The pilot's shallow approach angle led to a lack of altitude control relative to the runway threshold.
- The impact with the roadside embankment caused the structural failure of the nose gear and the subsequent breakage of the fuselage.