Accident Overview
On 27 May 2019 at 11:41 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration OK-KAL, operated by Aeroklub Praha Letňany, experienced a loss of engine power during takeoff from runway 23L at Letňany Airport (LKLT). The pilot executed a forced landing in a rapeseed field approximately 567 meters southwest of the airport reference point. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot suffered minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight Sequence
The pilot had planned a flight from Letňany to Plasy and back. After arriving at the airport, he checked the aircraft documentation and confirmed it had flown the previous day. He then prepared the aircraft, adding 27 liters of fuel for a total of 72 liters. The oil level was normal, and the external inspection revealed no defects.
Engine start was normal. After taxiing to the holding point for RWY 23L, the pilot performed a magneto check at 1700 RPM, noting a drop of about 50 RPM between magnets. The carburetor heat check was also normal. The pilot set flaps to 10° for takeoff, mixture full rich, fuel selector on, and other checks completed.
At 11:41, the pilot began the takeoff roll. Acceleration appeared normal. The aircraft lifted off at 50 knots and accelerated to 60-65 knots. After covering about three-quarters of the runway, the aircraft stopped accelerating and the engine began running irregularly despite full throttle. The pilot determined that returning to the airport was not possible due to insufficient runway remaining and the presence of a housing estate ahead. He chose to land in a field slightly left of the takeoff path.
Forced Landing
The selected field had a crop of rapeseed approximately 1.3 meters tall. The pilot did not have time to declare an emergency. Before touchdown, he extended flaps to 30°. The aircraft touched down on the main landing gear at about 50 knots. After the nose wheel contacted the tall rapeseed, the aircraft decelerated abruptly and flipped onto its back.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. No other injuries or damage occurred.
Aircraft and Location Information
- Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration OK-KAL
- Operator: Aeroklub Praha Letňany, z. s.
- Date and time: 27 May 2019, 11:41 UTC
- Location: approximately 567 m SW of Letňany Airport (LKLT) reference point
- Runway used: RWY 23L
- Fuel onboard: 72 liters total
- Pilot: private pilot license holder (PPL(A))