Pilot Errors Lead to Aircraft Capsizing at Šilutė Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • LT

A JAK-52 aircraft sustained extensive structural damage and overturned during a landing attempt after a series of pilot errors involving gear extension and flap deployment.

What happened

On June 20, 2004, a JAK-52 aircraft, registration LY-AOD, was performing a training flight at Šilutė Aerodrome. During the seventh flight of the session, the pilot was simulating an engine failure approach. In an attempt to land without engine thrust, the pilot delayed extending the landing gear until the final approach straight. This delay caused the propeller tips to strike the aerodrome surface, resulting in significant vibration.

Seeking to rectify the situation, the pilot initiated a go-around. During this maneuver, the pilot failed to extend the flaps. While attempting a subsequent landing with a crosswind of 3–4 m/s, the aircraft overran the available runway length. In an attempt to slow the aircraft by using rudder inputs at low altitude, the pilot induced a wing dip that caused the left wingtip to strike the ground. The aircraft made a heavy impact on its landing gear, causing the nose gear strut to fail and resulting in the aircraft capsizing onto its back.

The investigation

The investigation examined the sequence of events, including the pilot's decision-making process and the mechanical state of the aircraft. Investigators reviewed the flight path, noting that the pilot had deviated from standard operating procedures by altering the timing of gear extension. The investigation also looked into the technical status of the landing gear, noting that its service life had expired.

Findings

  • The primary cause was a series of pilot errors, specifically failing to extend the landing gear during the initial approach and failing to deploy flaps during the second attempt, which led to propeller damage and an overrun.
  • The presence of birds on the runway caused hesitation, contributing to the breakdown in standard procedural sequences.
  • The aircraft's nose gear strut failed under the stress of repeated impacts; the investigation noted that the landing gear's technical resource had expired, which may have contributed to the structural failure.
  • Although the pilot's commercial license had technically expired, this was not determined to be a cause of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by pilot errors during the approach and landing phases, including improper gear and flap management, which led to propeller damage, an airfield overrun, and a subsequent heavy landing that caused the nose gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-06-20 JAK-52 accident near LT?

A JAK-52 aircraft sustained extensive structural damage and overturned during a landing attempt after a series of pilot errors involving gear extension and flap deployment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-06-20 involved a JAK-52, registration LY-AQD, at LT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by pilot errors during the approach and landing phases, including improper gear and flap management, which led to propeller damage, an airfield overrun, and a subsequent heavy landing that caused the nose gear to collapse.

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