What happened
On October 6, 2020, a private Tecnam T2002 JR, registration OE-CFA, was conducting a cross-country training flight from Konstancin-Jeziorna to Łososina Dolna (EPNL). The flight, which included a passenger, was intended to include a refueling stop at EPNL before returning to the departure point. During the flight, the pilot reported intermittent radio interference and the blowing of navigation light fuses.
Upon arriving at EPNL, the pilot joined the traffic pattern at the third turn. During the final approach to runway 22, the pilot deployed the flaps to the takeoff position and moved the landing gear lever to the down position. However, the approach was conducted at an excessive speed, and the aircraft performed a low-altitude pass over a significant portion of the runway. During this high-speed pass, the propeller blades struck the ground, causing severe damage. The aircraft subsequently veered right and came to a stop on the grass. The pilot and passenger sustained no injuries and exited the aircraft unaided.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the aircraft's mechanical systems and reviewed surveillance footage from the airfield. Investigators found that the aircraft's landing gear, electrical systems, and warning signals were all functioning correctly. Testing confirmed that the gear extended properly when the lever was moved and that the visual and audible indicators were operational. The investigation also analyzed the flight profile using industrial cameras, which revealed that the aircraft maintained a high speed of approximately 126 km/h during the flare, which was inconsistent with the use of full flaps.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the too late initiation of the landing gear extension process, which resulted in the gear being either retracted or not fully locked upon touchdown.
- The pilot's decision to extend the gear only during the final approach, combined with limited experience on this specific aircraft type and landing at an unfamiliar airfield, contributed to the error.
- The approach was poorly planned, characterized by an incorrect flight profile and excessive speed during the flare.
- Landing directly into the sun may have hindered the pilot's ability to clearly monitor the cockpit instruments and warning lights.