Background
On 9 July 2022, a Maule M-7-235 C, registration OK-AGA, operated by Aeroklub Holíč, was involved in an accident at the non-public aerodrome Strážnice (LKSTRZ). The aircraft had departed from Holíč (LZHL) to provide technical assistance to a glider that had landed at Strážnice due to unfavorable weather.
Flight Sequence
The pilot, who had conducted nine glider tows earlier that day, departed for Strážnice at 11:18 UTC. Upon arrival, the pilot performed a flyover of runway 05, assessed the wind direction from a windsock, and entered a left-hand circuit for runway 05. The pilot initiated the landing with flaps set to position 1 (24°), as recommended for crosswind landings, and an approach speed of 80 knots. The first touchdown occurred approximately 100 meters past the runway threshold. After touchdown, the aircraft bounced and then had a long landing roll. The pilot applied heavy braking, causing the nose to pitch down, resulting in the propeller blades striking the ground and the aircraft flipping onto its back.
Pilot and Passenger Accounts
The pilot stated that the accident was due to misjudging the distance to the runway end, landing at higher speed, and inadequate reactions to the situation. The passenger, who also had flying experience, indicated that the cause was excessive braking during the roll-out, which created a nose-down moment that could not be compensated for at low speed. Both agreed that weather and runway conditions were suitable.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries and both exited the aircraft unassisted. The passenger closed the fuel valve and turned off the magnetos before egressing through the side window. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft Information
The Maule M-7-235 C is a single-engine, high-wing utility aircraft with a fabric-covered steel-tube fuselage and aluminum wings. It was manufactured in 1988 (serial number 4048 C) and had a total flight time of 932 hours and 47 minutes. The engine was a Lycoming IO-540-W1A5D, and the propeller was a Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BF. The aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness until 19 April 2023.
Meteorological Conditions
According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the area was under the influence of a high-pressure system with northwesterly winds. At the time of the accident, surface wind was estimated at 290°–340° at 8–12 knots, with visibility over 10 km, and few to scattered cumulus clouds at 6,000–7,000 feet AGL. The pilot reported a crosswind from the northwest at 2–3 m/s.
Investigation
The accident was investigated by the Czech Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN) in accordance with international standards. The final report was issued on 28 November 2022.