What happened
On April 24, 2020, a Bristell ELSA ultralight aircraft, registration OK-YAI 54, was conducting a training flight at Kyjov Aerodrome. The flight was intended to be a check flight for a student pilot, focusing on practicing emergency procedures.
Following a landing on the taxiway, the crew restarted the engine and took off. During the climb, the instructor simulated an engine failure by reducing power to idle at a low altitude. The pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed and did not properly manage the transition from a climb to a glide. This resulted in a loss of airspeed, causing the aircraft to enter a wing-drop. At approximately 30 meters above the ground, the aircraft struck the terrain at a steep angle, bounced, and subsequently caught fire. The impact and following fire caused the two fatalities on board.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the flight's telemetry, and the crew's actions. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's control surfaces, the engine, and the propeller. Radar data from the area confirmed a rapid descent and loss of altitude during the critical phase of flight. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records and the instructor's medical and professional status.
Technically, the aircraft was found to be in a serviceable condition, though it was noted that the ballistic parachute system was not properly documented in the aircraft's technical logs. The investigation also considered meteorological factors, noting light mechanical turbulence in the area that could have influenced the flight.