Introduction
On 06 August 2010, a Cessna F172M aircraft, registration OM-EGA, was involved in an accident during landing at LZDB airport. The aircraft was being used for a training navigation flight as part of the 17th FAI World Rally Flying Championship. The investigation was conducted by the Slovak Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development's Unit for Professional Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents.
Flight History
The crew, consisting of two Russian pilots, departed from LZDB for a training navigation flight. Upon return, the pilot reported the final waypoint "Nová Dubnica" and received landing instructions for runway 23. Subsequently, a direct approach to runway 05 was offered due to wind and traffic conditions. The final approach was conducted at a very low speed with the aircraft substantially pitched up above the horizon. In this configuration, the aircraft crossed the runway threshold and, after the throttle was reduced to idle, experienced a very hard landing (fall) from a height of approximately 2 meters onto the main landing gear, followed by a bounce and a subsequent impact on the nose landing gear, which resulted in its collapse.
Injuries and Damage
The two crew members were uninjured. Detailed damage to the aircraft was not determined by the investigation commission. No other damage was reported.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna F172M, serial number F172M1013, with a Lycoming IO-320-E2D engine and McCauley propeller. It held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The weight at the time of the accident was within the permitted limits.
Crew Information
The pilot in command was a 49-year-old Russian private pilot (PPL(A)) with 421 hours and 1242 flight cycles. The co-pilot was a 55-year-old Russian commercial pilot (CPL(A)) with 5856 hours and 19314 flight cycles. Both held valid medical certificates and qualifications.
Meteorological and Aerodrome Information
Meteorological conditions were not reported. LZDB is a public domestic aerodrome with a grass runway 23L/05R, suitable for the intended flight.
Analysis
The pilot conducted the final landing phase at a very low speed with an excessive pitch-up attitude. After crossing the runway threshold at about 2 meters, the throttle was reduced to idle, leading to a hard touchdown on the main gear, a bounce, and a subsequent impact on the nose gear, causing its collapse. The crew was not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. The aircraft was airworthy before the flight.
Conclusions
The accident was caused by the crew's failure to master piloting technique, specifically a high flare at low speed resulting in a hard landing, a bounce, and an impact on the nose landing gear.
Safety Recommendations
The pilot underwent training flights emphasizing precision and correct landing procedure before continuing in the competition flights of the 17th FAI World Rally Flying Championship.