No fatalities

2020-06-12: Extra EA-400 (OK-EKO) — Private Czech — Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech Republic

Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech RepublicFlight

On June 12, 2020, an Extra EA-400 (registration OK-EKO) operated by Private Czech was involved in an aviation accident near Vrchotovy Janovice, Czech Republic in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the plane crash was a leak of coolant from the space of cylinder n°5. The leaked coolant penetrated into the cabin where it splashed the windshield. This made it impossible for the pilot to look ahead. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781190443Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot made an emergency landing in a cornfield after coolant leaked from the engine into the cabin, obscuring the windshield. The aircraft flipped over, tearing off the right wing, and the pilot was injured.

Incident Details

The pilot, who was the sole occupant, departed Příbram Airport in the early afternoon on a private flight to Moravská Třebová. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, while cruising in good weather conditions, the pilot encountered engine problems and decided to divert to Benešov Airfield.

Emergency Landing

Shortly after the diversion, cooling liquid leaked from the engine into the cabin and onto the windshield, reducing the pilot's visibility. The pilot elected to make an emergency landing in a cornfield. Upon touchdown, the aircraft crashed and came to rest upside down, with its right wing torn off. There was no fire. The pilot sustained injuries, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the cause of the accident was a coolant leak from the space of cylinder number 5. The leaked coolant penetrated into the cabin, where it splashed onto the windshield, making it impossible for the pilot to see ahead. This forced the pilot to perform an emergency landing.