Overview
On 4 June 2023 at 16:48 UTC, a Zlín 226MS aircraft (registration OM-MPY) operating an aerotow takeoff with a G-103 Twin glider (OM-1801) crashed approximately 5 km west of Žilina Airport (LZZI), in the cadastral area of Kotešová, on the right bank of the Váh River. The pilot of the towing aircraft sustained fatal injuries. The glider, carrying an instructor and a student, landed safely at LZZI without injuries or damage. The towing aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire.
Sequence of Events
The flight was part of glider training at Aeroklub Žilina. The pilot had been flying throughout the day and refueled before his 41st flight. At 16:46 UTC, the aircraft and glider took off from Runway 24 for a circuit training task. The takeoff proceeded normally.
About one to two minutes after takeoff, at an estimated height of 100 to 150 m, the glider instructor observed a sudden drop in the towing aircraft's altitude, which then recovered. He attributed this to turbulence. Shortly after, he noticed a gradual altitude loss and increasing slack in the tow rope. As the slack continued to increase and the distance between the aircraft and glider decreased, he attempted to reduce speed using spoilers but could not before the towing aircraft entered a steep right turn. The glider instructor released the tow rope at 120 km/h. He then heard a radio command from the towing pilot saying "release yourself." According to available video footage, the towing aircraft stalled in the right turn and struck the ground.
Aircraft and Personnel
The Zlín 226MS was a two-seat, single-engine low-wing monoplane with fixed tailwheel landing gear, primarily used for training, aerobatics, and towing. It was manufactured by Moravan n.p., Otrokovice, Czech Republic, in 1958, with serial number 270. Its total time in service was 4,709 hours and 7 minutes. The engine was a M137A six-cylinder inverted inline air-cooled engine (serial 762407) with a V503A two-blade propeller.
The pilot, a 65-year-old Slovak citizen, held a PPL(A) with valid SEP(L) and TMG ratings, and a LAPL medical certificate valid until 16 July 2023. His total flight experience was 679 hours 54 minutes, with 9 hours 49 minutes in the last 90 days.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered injuries incompatible with life. The glider occupants (instructor and student) were uninjured. The towing aircraft was destroyed by fire after impact. No other damage was reported to the investigation authority.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Aviation and Maritime Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic under Annex 13. The final report does not specify a probable cause. No safety recommendations were included in the provided excerpt.