Aircraft and Flight Information
The accident involved a Cessna 182 C, a single-engine piston aircraft operated by a limited liability company. The flight was a training exercise from Graz Airport (LOWG) to Weiz-Unterfladnitz Airfield (LOGW). The aircraft was equipped with hail suppression devices, including burner chambers mounted on the main landing gear struts and a silver iodide container.
Accident Sequence
On July 1, 2001, at approximately 12:31 UTC, the aircraft was on final approach to runway 36, a 440-meter grass strip. During the approach, the aircraft contacted the growth of a grain field located before the runway; the crop was about 1 meter high. The contact between the crop and the landing gear, as well as the hail suppression burner chambers on the main gear, created a braking effect. This caused the aircraft to make ground contact before reaching the runway. Subsequently, at a depression in the ground near the airfield boundary, the nose gear broke off, leading to the aircraft overturning.
Pilot Actions and Conditions
The pilot reported applying full throttle after the initial contact with the crop, but was unable to gain altitude. No unusual wind conditions were noted by the pilot.
Fuel and Damage
At the time of the accident, the fuel quantity was approximately 180 liters out of a total tank capacity of 246 liters. No fuel leakage occurred, and the silver iodide container remained undamaged. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Injuries
Both crew members on board reported no injuries or only minor injuries; no passengers were on board.