What happened
On May 30, 2021, a ROBIN DR 40 and 180R, registration D-EBSK, was conducting a PPL(A) training flight at Křižanov Airport. During the approach to runway 31, the student pilot executed an incorrect approach pattern, flying at a very shallow angle and below the proper descent path.
Approximately 50 meters before the runway threshold, the pilot reduced engine power to idle. Due to the low altitude and the aircraft's configuration with extended flaps, the aircraft began to descend rapidly. While the pilot focused on maintaining airspeed to prevent a stall, the aircraft made first contact with the ground in a potato field, roughly 5 meters before the airport access road. The landing gear subsequently struck the edge of a ditch on the eastern side of the airfield. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, cross the road, and eventually come to rest on the grass runway 31 after traveling approximately 200 meters.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized crew statements and security camera footage from the airfield. The investigation examined the flight profiles of both the student pilot and the instructor, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in a fully airworthy condition and that the engine and all control surfaces were functioning normally. The investigation also reviewed the instructor's actions during the critical phase of the approach.
Findings
- The student pilot performed an incorrect approach pattern for runway 31, resulting in a descent path that was too shallow and below the required safety altitude.
- The pilot's concentration on maintaining airspeed during the transition caused a loss of situational awareness regarding the aircraft's actual altitude and position.
- The pilot reduced engine power prematurely, far from the intended touchdown point.
- Although the instructor identified the incorrect approach and alerted the student, the instructor did not take decisive action to ensure the error was corrected.
- The instructor was unable to intervene in time to prevent the student from reducing power during the critical phase of the landing.
- The instructor eventually took control of the aircraft after the initial impact with the terrain, managing to land the aircraft on the grass runway.
- All damage to the ROBIN DR 400/180R, including the broken left landing gear leg and deformed flap, was caused by the impact with the terrain obstacle.