What happened
On June 26, 2023, a Tecnam P2002 JF, registration OK-AOC, was conducting a training flight at Benešov Airport (LKBE) as part of an integrated ATP(A) course. The flight, operated by F AIR s.r.o., involved an instructor and a student performing maneuvers to practice emergency procedures, specifically simulating an engine failure on a downwind circuit for runway 24.
During the final approach, the student pilot set the aircraft to a glide configuration with takeoff flaps to simulate the loss of power. While the approach appeared stable, the aircraft's path drifted slightly to the right of the runway centerline. As the aircraft transitioned through the flare, the instructor noticed a runway threshold light on the right side of the wing. Despite an attempt to increase power, the aircraft struck the light. The impact caused the right main landing gear to bend and break away from the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently veered toward the right edge of the runway, striking a side light before coming to a stop.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the aircraft was in a technically airworthy condition prior to the flight and that all necessary documentation and equipment were present. The crew members were found to be medically fit and had passed sobriety tests conducted by the police.
The investigation examined the runway environment and found that the threshold lights on runway 24 were partially obscured by tall grass, with only the tops of the warning cones visible. The investigators also reviewed the flight training procedures used during the simulated engine failure maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect estimation of the aircraft's touchdown point relative to the runway.
- The instructor failed to interrupt the simulated engine failure maneuver at a safe altitude to perform a standard missed approach.
- The instructor's decision to attempt a landing short of the runway centerline did not account for the presence of runway lighting equipment.
- High grass around the runway lights reduced their visibility to the crew.
- Sunlight positioned low on the horizon contributed to partial glare for the crew during the approach.