What happened
On October 26, 2022, at 13:25 UTC, a TL 232 Condor, registration OK-CUU 24, crashed into a hangar at the SLZ Osičiny airfield. Witnesses observed the yellow aircraft flying at an unusually low altitude with unstable, swaying flight characteristics. One witness reported that the aircraft performed several sharp maneuvers over the area for approximately 15 minutes before descending rapidly and at high speed. The aircraft struck the corner of a hangar at a blunt angle, causing an immediate fire that consumed the entire aircraft and spread to the hangar building and adjacent residential areas.
The impact was so severe that the pilot, who was restrained during the flight, was ejected from the aircraft and found within the hangar. The pilot sustained fatal injuries due to polytrauma.
The investigation
Investigators from the ÚZPLN examined the wreckage and interviewed witnesses. The investigation focused on the flight path and the medical findings of the pilot. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of technical failure; the control elements were functional, and the engine was operational at the time of impact. Meteorological data confirmed favorable flying conditions with no significant weather hazards.
Forensic medical analysis revealed that the pilot had intentionally withheld critical health information from his medical examiner, including chronic lung disease and spinal issues. Furthermore, toxicological tests performed on the pilot's blood showed significant concentrations of prohibited substances, specifically cocaine, along with morphine and oxycodone.
Findings
- The pilot was under the influence of prohibited substances at the time of the accident.
- The pilot's physiological state, characterized by the presence of cocaine and opioids, likely caused a loss of coordination and self-control, consistent with witness reports of erratic flight.
- The aircraft was airworthy and free of technical defects prior to the impact.
- The impact caused the immediate destruction of the aircraft and extensive damage to the hangar structure.