Factual Information
On 16 October 2008, at 12:52 UTC, a Cirrus SR22, registration OK-OKO, experienced a wing strike during takeoff from runway 20R at Most Airport (LKMO). The aircraft was operated by Alpin Praha - divize specielních prací s.r.o. and owned by Alpin Air s.r.o. The pilot, a 59-year-old male holding a valid CPL with SEP, MEP, FI(A), and IR(SE) qualifications, had 1100 hours on motor aircraft and 218 hours on the Cirrus SR22. Two passengers without aviation experience were on board.
According to the pilot's statement, takeoff was initiated approximately 50 meters from the threshold of runway 20R. At about 70 KIAS, the aircraft lifted off. At a height of approximately 1 meter, the right wing dropped, and the aircraft began to turn right. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite control inputs, but the aircraft did not respond and the right wing tip lightly contacted the ground. The aircraft then banked left, resulting in a forceful contact of the left wing tip with the runway surface. The pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft and stop on the runway, then taxied to the hangar without further incident.
Damage
The left wing tip sustained damage, including the Pitot tube being torn off, the left position light cover and bulb broken, the wingtip fairing cracked, and the composite structure of the left wing trailing edge compromised. The nose gear attachment and aerodynamic covers of both main landing gear wheels were damaged. Propeller blades were damaged approximately 20 cm from their outer edges.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 220-280° at 4-8 knots, visibility more than 10 km, overcast with light rain, and cloud base BKN/OVC at 1500 ft AGL. The wind direction relative to the takeoff path was from the right at an angle of 20-80°.
Aircraft Information
The Cirrus SR22 is a single-engine, four-seat, composite low-wing aircraft with a fixed tricycle landing gear. The maximum takeoff weight is 1542 kg. At the time of the accident, the fuel on board was 220 liters, and the total weight of fuel, crew, passengers, and baggage was approximately 430 kg, within limits. The minimum takeoff speed is 70 KIAS. The maximum permissible crosswind component is 20 knots.
Investigation
A post-accident check of the Pitot-static system found no malfunction. The aircraft's last periodic inspection was on 17 July 2008 at 173 flight hours. The aircraft's technical condition did not contribute to the accident.
Probable Cause
Commission determined the probable cause was instability of the aircraft during takeoff, caused by a chain of the following factors:
- Minimum takeoff speed at which the aircraft lifted off;
- Light wind from the right against the direction of takeoff;
- Raindrops adhering to the wing surface, negatively affecting its aerodynamic properties.