Incident Overview
On 4 January 2025 at 13:31 UTC, a Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, registration Z3-UA-011, operated by Vendredo DOOEL Skopje, was conducting training at Skopje Sport Airport (LWSN). The flight was part of an ultralight aircraft license training program. The aircraft joined the traffic pattern, and the instructor began a low approach on runway 12. After overflying the runway midpoint, the instructor decided to land. Due to the wet surface and the decision to land beyond the midpoint, the aircraft exited the runway and struck a concrete fence post with its nose, coming to a complete stop. No injuries were reported among the two occupants (instructor and student pilot).
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Pipistrel Alpha Trainer (ICAO: PIAT), serial number 603AT912, manufactured by Pipistrel d.o.o. of Slovenia. It had a total flight time of 766:11 hours at the time of the incident. The aircraft was equipped with a Rotax 912 UL engine and a FP02-80 propeller. Maintenance records indicated regular servicing, with the last 100-hour inspection on 26 May 2024. Fuel on board was approximately 45%.
The instructor, a 43-year-old Macedonian male, held a valid ultralight pilot license with instructor endorsement, with approximately 460 hours on ultralight aircraft (240 as instructor). The student pilot, a 49-year-old Macedonian male, held a PPL(A) and glider license, and had 4:14 hours on ultralight aircraft. The student had completed theoretical training and was conducting pre-solo control exercises.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological conditions were Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). No official weather station existed at LWSN; data from Skopje International Airport (LWSK) showed cloud base between 5,000 and 6,000 feet (overcast), wind variable between 240° and 010° at 3 to 8 knots, visibility greater than 10 km, temperature 6°C, dew point -3°C. At LWSN, the wind was easterly, and runway 12 was in use. The grass surface was wet and slippery from prior precipitation.
Analysis and Conclusions
The investigation determined that the direct cause of the serious incident was the runway excursion and impact with the safety fence. The indirect cause was the instructor pilot's non-adherence to the aircraft's pilot manual regarding the minimum required landing distance and the decision to land after overflying more than half of the runway. Contributing factors included inadequate planning of the required landing distance from touchdown to stop. The aircraft was technically airworthy, and meteorological conditions did not directly influence the incident.
Safety Recommendations
The Committee for Investigation of Aviation Accidents and Serious Incidents (KINSIV) issued two safety recommendations:
- MK.KINSIV/01: Prior to the start of the flying season, conduct an internal seminar for all users/operators to review the airport safe-use manual and aircraft pilot manuals.
- MK.KINSIV/02: KINSIV to create a presentation/seminar to inform operators and users about the committee's work and how to report events, incidents, serious incidents, and accidents.