What happened
On February 27, 2020, an Extra EA 300L, registration OK-XTR, was performing training maneuvers at Ostrava/Mošnov Airport (LKMT). The pilot, who had completed type training only one week prior, was conducting a solo flight—his first since completing the course. During a practice of a wave-off (go-around) procedure on runway 2 and 2, the pilot encountered strong gusts of wind.
While attempting the maneuver, the pilot failed to properly compensate for the crosswind component, leading to a high-speed touchdown. The initial contact with the runway was hard, causing the aircraft to bounce before a second heavy impact occurred. This impact deformed the left landing gear leg. After notifying the tower, the pilot decided to fly until the fuel was nearly exhausted before attempting a landing.
Upon the subsequent landing, the already weakened left landing gear could not withstand the load, causing it to collapse and penetrate the aerobatic fuel tank, resulting in a small fuel leak. The aircraft then tilted, causing the left wingtip and propeller to strike the runway. Approximately five to ten minutes after coming to a stop, the right landing gear also collapsed spontaneously. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's qualifications, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified and medically fit, though he possessed very limited experience on this specific aircraft type. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with all maintenance records up to date and no pre-existing defects reported. Meteorological data confirmed wind gusts of up to 18 knots during the period of the accident.