What happened
On March 12, 2019, a student pilot was conducting solo flight training at Roudnice Airport (LKRO). After completing a solo navigation flight and taking a break, the pilot decided to perform several touch-and-go maneuvers. During the second landing on runway 31L, the aircraft began to veer to the left immediately after touchdown.
The aircraft followed a curved trajectory, traveling approximately 134 meters along the runway before exiting the paved surface. The aircraft then crossed a furrow separating the airfield from an adjacent agricultural field. Upon hitting this terrain irregularity, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to a stop with its nose buried in the soil. The impact resulted in significant damage to the aircraft, including the engine and lower engine cowlings.
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 a qualified student with a valid medical certificate and ICAO English Level 5 proficiency, though he had very limited experience operating the Piper PA-28-180.
The instructor had provided a thorough pre-flight briefing, specifically warning the pilot about the effects of crosswinds and advising him to return to his original destination if conditions became difficult. The investigation also confirmed that the Piper PA-28-180, registration OK-CNC, was fully airworthy and that all mechanical systems, including the steering and engine, were functional prior to the impact. The airfield and runway conditions were found to be in an operable state.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow the instructor's specific guidance regarding weather conditions.
- A significant crosswind component, with gusts up to 15 knots, influenced the landing.
- The pilot failed to react promptly with appropriate rudder input to counteract the leftward yaw caused by the wind.
- The pilot's reaction to the sudden directional change was delayed, and he did not attempt to use heavy braking or shut down the engine before exiting the runway surface.
- The aircraft's nose gear failure was a direct result of striking the terrain irregularity between the airfield and the field.