No fatalities

Takeoff Accident on Runway 27 Results in Aircraft Destruction; Crew Uninjured (AK-2)

Hradec Králové, Czech RepublicTakeoff (climb)

On April 24, 1953, an Aero C-3A (registration AK-2) operated by Czech Air Force - Ceské Vojenské Letectvo was involved in an aviation accident near Hradec Králové, Czech Republic during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft and the cause of the accident was attributed to a pilot error. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 27, an aircraft crashed after climbing to 30 feet, turning, and losing speed. All three crew members were uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed. The official cause was pilot error.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred during the takeoff roll on runway 27. The aircraft reached a speed of 140–150 km/h when the pilot initiated rotation. Shortly after becoming airborne, while climbing to approximately 30 feet, the aircraft turned slightly to the right. The pilot-in-command then executed a left turn, raised the flaps, and nosed down to gain speed. The aircraft's speed increased to 200 km/h before it struck the ground and crashed in a field.

Crew and Damage

All three crew members were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. The crew consisted of Lt Ernest Trabatický and two other individuals.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation found no technical anomalies on the aircraft. The probable cause of the accident was attributed to pilot error.