Accident Overview
On 29 August 2023, at approximately 17:28 UTC, an Extra 300LC aircraft, registration OM-KPX, collided with terrain near the village of Podhorany, Nitra District, Slovakia. The pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The accident occurred during daylight under visual flight rules. The aircraft had been conducting aerobatic maneuvers during its third flight of the day.
Sequence of Events
The pilot, who was also the owner, departed from LZNI (Nitra Airport) with a passenger for a local flight. After two earlier flights, the pilot refueled and began the third flight around 17:15. He flew northwest of Nitra, likely to reduce noise impact. During aerobatic maneuvering, the aircraft entered a right-hand spin that led to ground contact. The impact site was in a wooded area near a railway line and a grain cleaning facility.
Aircraft Information
The Extra 300LC is a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing aerobatic aircraft with a steel tube fuselage and composite wing spar. Built in 2019, it was powered by a Lycoming AEIO-580-B1A six-cylinder engine producing 315 hp, driving an MT-Propeller MTV-9-B-C three-blade, constant-speed propeller. The aircraft had accumulated 100:20 hours and 257 landings. It was equipped for VFR day operation and carried a GoPro camera on the left wingtip. All flight controls were found intact after the accident.
Pilot and Passenger Information
The 39-year-old pilot held a Light Aircraft Pilot License with ratings for single-engine piston (land), night flying, and aerobatics, valid as of the accident. He had 269:25 total flight hours, with 93:10 on the Extra 300 type. The 29-year-old passenger also held a pilot license with SEP(L) and night ratings. Toxicology tests confirmed neither was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Investigation Details
The investigation was conducted by the Slovak Aviation and Maritime Investigation Authority. No fire occurred. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces, with the forward fuselage absorbing most of the energy. The wreckage distribution indicated a steep impact angle. Medical examination attributed deaths to polytrauma and shock. No third-party damage was reported.