What happened
On July 1, 2001, at approximately 12:31 UTC, a Cessna 182 C was performing a training flight from Graz (LOWG) to Weiz-Unterfladnitz (LOGW). The aircraft, which was equipped with hail suppression equipment, was on final approach to runway 36, a grass strip.
During the approach, the aircraft's landing gear made contact with a grain field located just before the runway threshold. The crops in this area were approximately one meter in height. The contact between the grain and the main landing gear struts—specifically the hail suppression combustion chambers installed on the struts—created significant braking force. This drag caused the aircraft to touch the ground before reaching the runway.
As the aircraft continued along the ground, the nose gear struck a depression in the terrain located immediately at the airfield boundary. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse, leading to the aircraft performing a rollover. The pilot reported attempting to apply full power following the initial contact with the crops, but was unable to regain sufficient altitude to avoid the ground impact.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Safety Investigation Office (SUB) based on statements from the crew and witnesses, as well as findings from public safety services. The investigators examined the flight path, the condition of the aircraft, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the braking effect caused by the contact between the landing gear and the tall grain crops.
- The aircraft was equipped with hail suppression chambers on the main gear, which contributed to the drag when the gear struck the one-meter-high vegetation.
- The collapse of the nose gear was triggered by the aircraft striking a depression in the ground at the edge of the airfield.
- There were no injuries to the two crew members, and no fatalities were reported.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the rollover.