Accident Overview
On 15 August 2021, a Cessna T206H, registered SP-IKE, was involved in an accident during landing at Piła airfield (EPPI). The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but all six occupants were uninjured.
Sequence of Events
The pilot planned a return flight from Piła to Kołobrzeg (EPKG) and back. The outbound and return flights proceeded without incident. During the landing at Piła around 18:20 local time, the aircraft's tail struck the runway surface. The airplane then bounced at least three times. The impact damaged the tail section, nose landing gear, and propeller.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was a six-seat Cessna T206H, privately operated. The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (aeroplanes) equivalent. On board were five passengers: one woman and four men. According to the report, none of the occupants sustained injuries; the six persons were uninjured.
Damage
The tail structure, nose gear, and propeller were significantly damaged. The report classifies the damage as substantial to the airframe and propulsion system.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the investigation. The probable cause was determined to be pilot error: incorrect planning and execution of the landing, leading to a very hard, uncontrolled, multiple-touchdown landing at excessive speed with a mass close to the maximum permissible landing weight. Contributing factors noted were the pilot's very low experience on the Cessna T206H type, overall limited flight experience including a lack of experience on heavier Cessna 206 aircraft with a high-power engine and a full passenger load, and the landing weight being near the maximum, which increased inertia, stall speed, and angle of attack, reducing tail clearance during landing.
No safety recommendations were proposed.