What happened
On June 21, 2005, at 17:30 UTC, a Piper PA-32-310FT (registration OK-SIV) was performing a VFR flight from Bratislava (LZIB) to Prague Ruzyně (LKPR). After landing on runway 31, the pilot attempted to vacate the runway by turning right onto runway 04.
During the braking and rollout phase, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. While applying the brakes, the pilot's left foot slipped off the rudder pedal, causing the aircraft to veer to the right. The aircraft exited the paved surface at the intersection of runway 31 and runway 04, traveling 37 meters onto the adjacent grass area. During this excursion, the left wing edge struck the terrain, and the nose landing gear was damaged.
Following the excursion, the tower controller noticed the aircraft had moved off the monitored taxiway area. The pilot reported a minor problem but stated that no immediate assistance was required. The aircraft was subsequently guided back to the apron by a Follow Me vehicle.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the flight path, the pilot's actions, and the aircraft's condition. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and that the pilot held valid qualifications. Investigators analyzed radar data and communication records between the pilot and the Prague Ruzyně Tower. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder, so the sequence of events was reconstructed through ATC communications and radar monitoring.
Findings
- The pilot lost control of the aircraft's directional steering during the rollout.
- The pilot's left foot slipped from the brake/rudder pedal during the attempt to vacate the runway.
- The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently before attempting the turn onto runway 04.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the nose landing gear, the engine mount, and approximately one-third of the left wingtip.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.