What happened
On August 9, 2020, a pilot was conducting a flight originating from Soběslav (LKSO) with a route including Votice and Pelhřimov. While returning to Soběslav, the pilot encountered haze, smoke, and sun glare. Approximately 3–4 km before reaching the airfield, the pilot observed a cleared meadow behind a forest and decided to perform a field landing.
During the approach, the pilot experienced an increase in speed, reaching approximately 130 km/h with a descent rate of 6 m/s. The aircraft made contact with the ground at high speed during the initial third of the chosen landing area. In an attempt to abort the landing and avoid an obstacle, the pilot applied full control, briefly gaining about 10 meters of altitude and clearing a road. However, the aircraft subsequently lost speed and impacted a grassy area in front of a residential house, striking a hedge. The VSO 10 glider, registration OK-5604, was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized the pilot's testimony, witness statements, and data from a NANO4 flight logger. The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation also reviewed the flight path and the sequence of maneuvers leading to the impact.
Findings
- The pilot was qualified and experienced in flying this aircraft type.
- The aircraft had a valid airworthiness inspection.
- Weather conditions were suitable for the flight, though visibility was reduced by haze and sun glare.
- The pilot made a late selection of a landing site at a low altitude.
- The approach was performed in an unstable manner, characterized by a non-constant flight regime and high speed.
- The pilot's focus may have been excessively directed toward the flight logger data during the final segment of the flight.