4 fatalities

Training Flight Crashes Near Pernek, Four Killed

Malacky-Kuchyňa AFB, SlovakiaLanding (descent or approach)

On August 7, 1953, an Aero C-3A operated by Czech Air Force - Ceské Vojenské Letectvo was involved in an aviation accident near Malacky-Kuchyňa AFB, Slovakia during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot continued the approach at an unsafe altitude for unknown reasons. 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 a night training flight, an aircraft hit trees and crashed in flames near Pernek after low visibility was encountered. All four crew members were killed.

Background

The crew was conducting a local training flight that included aerial bombing attacks. After completing the exercise, they began their return to base.

Accident

During the night approach to the airbase, the crew encountered low visibility. The aircraft descended too low, struck trees, and crashed in flames on hilly, wooded terrain near Pernek, about 4 kilometers southeast of the airfield.

Aftermath

A post-crash fire consumed the aircraft, leaving it completely destroyed. All four crew members were killed. The deceased were identified as Lt Zbyňek Jeřábek, Lt František Bohdal, Lt Josef Novák, and Cpl Miroslav Bezděk.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was that the pilot continued the approach at an unsafe altitude for unknown reasons.