Emergency landing of aircraft near Benešov Airfield

No fatalities • Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech Republic • Flight

A private flight from Příbram Airport resulted in an emergency landing in a cornfield after engine issues and a coolant leak obscured the pilot's vision.

What happened

During a private flight in the early afternoon, a single-pilot operation departed from Přído bram Airport, destined for Moravská Třebová. Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was in the cruise phase under favorable weather conditions, the pilot identified mechanical issues with the engine. In response to these engine problems, the pilot decided to divert the flight toward Benešov Airfield.

During the diversion, a leak of cooling liquid occurred, which entered the cockpit and coated the windshield. This leak significantly obstructed the pilot's visibility. Seeking to land safely, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a nearby cornfield. Upon contacting the ground, the aircraft type (unspecified) experienced a severe impact that caused the aircraft to flip onto its back and resulted in the separation of the right wing. There was no post-crash fire reported.

Findings

  • The primary factor leading to the accident was the leak of cooling liquid onto the windshield, which impaired the pilot's ability to maintain visual contact with the environment.
  • The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair during the impact.
  • The pilot sustained injuries during the event.

Probable cause

An engine malfunction caused a coolant leak that obscured the pilot's vision, leading to an emergency landing in a field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-06-12 Extra EA-400 accident near Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech Republic?

A private flight from Příbram Airport resulted in an emergency landing in a cornfield after engine issues and a coolant leak obscured the pilot's vision.

Were there any fatalities in the 2020-06-12 Extra EA-400 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-06-12 involved a Extra EA-400, registration OK-EKO, operated by Private Czech, at Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech Republic.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An engine malfunction caused a coolant leak that obscured the pilot's vision, leading to an emergency landing in a field.

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