What happened
On February 22, 2003, at approximately 13:05 UTC, a MAGGIC 165 hang glider struck high-voltage power lines in the vicinity of Lipence, near Radotín. The aircraft had taken off from the Staňkovka launch site for a recreational flight, initially utilizing slope soaring effects.
During the flight, the pilot attempted to fly southeast toward a planned landing area in Černošice. While navigating past a line of tall poplar trees, the aircraft encountered 22,000V power lines running parallel to the treeline. The pilot lacked sufficient altitude and airspeed to clear the obstacle. The collision caused a short circuit, resulting in an immediate power outage across the municipalities of Černošice, Lipence, Radotín, and parts of Zbraslav. The impact caused the fatal death of the pilot due to electric shock. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's qualifications, and the technical state of the aircraft. Investigators established that the pilot was flying in heavy smoke and directly into the sun, which significantly reduced visibility. The investigation also noted that the pilot was flying through intense thermal turbulence.
Medical examinations and toxicology reports confirmed that the pilot was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and no underlying medical conditions were found that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience level and the aircraft's documentation, noting that the glider was not registered in the Czech Republic and lacked a valid technical certificate.
Findings
- The immediate cause of the accident was the collision between the hang glider and high-voltage power lines.
- The pilot lacked the specific license and flight training required to operate a hang glider, possessing minimal experience with this aircraft type.
- Poor visibility caused by heavy smoke and intense sunlight glare likely prevented the pilot from detecting the power lines in time.
- The pilot's decision to fly through an area with obstacles, combined with an overestimation of their own skills, was a primary contributing factor.
- The lack of a valid technical inspection for the aircraft meant its airworthiness prior to the flight could not be verified.