CASA 1.131-E D-EHDT Accident at Cheb Airport

Incident Overview and Investigation Authority On 1 June 2019, the Czech Institute for Expert Investigation of Causes of Aircraft Accidents (ÚZPLN) was notified of an accident involving a foreign CASA 1.131-E aircraft, registration D-EHDT, at Cheb Airport (LKCB). The investigation was conducted under EU Regulation 996/2010, Czech Act No. 49/1997, and ICAO Annex 13, with the sole purpose of accident prevention. The German Federal Aviation Office (BFU) was notified in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. ## Flight Details and Approach The aircraft was operating as the lead of a four-aircraft formation from Hof-Paulen (EDQM) to Cheb (LKCB). The other aircraft in the formation were D-EFMH, D-EAYL, and OE-AHA. During pre-flight briefing, the German organizer instructed pilots that landings at Cheb would be on the grass runway 05/23, located south of the concrete runway 06/24. The flight proceeded without issues until the approach phase. ## Approach and Landing The pilot contacted Cheb RADIO on 122.205 MHz and received information that the concrete runway 24 was usable with limitations due to its condition, while the grass runway 23 was fully usable. After receiving landing clearance, the aircraft continued its approach in a left turn. The pilot was seated in the rear seat to have a better view of the runway. The aircraft was flying at a higher speed than usual and significantly above the glide path, heading left of runway 23 toward a mown area used as a glider strip. ## Accident Sequence The aircraft touched down on the freshly mown area to the left of runway 23, between high ridges of cut grass, at the level of the last quarter of runway 23's length. Witnesses reported the aircraft had a higher speed than typical for this type upon touchdown. During the rollout, the pilot applied brakes, but the left landing gear wheel entered a small but deep depression in the surface of the glider strip. This caused the aircraft to bounce and deviate to the left, damaging the left landing gear leg. The aircraft then caught on a ridge of freshly cut grass with its landing gear and lower wing, causing abrupt deceleration and overturning onto its back. ## Post-Accident Actions and Injuries After the aircraft overturned, the pilot closed the fuel supply and shut off the engine ignition. She exited the cabin and attempted to assist the trapped passenger in the front cabin. People present at the airport immediately provided assistance, lifted the rear of the aircraft, and extracted the passenger. The fire rescue service, emergency medical service, and Czech Police were notified. The other three aircraft in the group landed without issues. The accident resulted in a light injury to the passenger and extensive damage to the aircraft. The glider strip was not visually marked in accordance with regulation L 14 Airports at the time of the incident.