Two fatalities in ultralight aircraft crash near Helvíkovice

Casualties unknown • obec Helvíkovice, CZ

A recreational flight in a Majá ultralight aircraft ended in a fatal spin and subsequent fire near Helvíkovice, Czech Republic, resulting in two deaths.

What happened

On October 25, 2006, an ultralight aircraft, a Májá with registration OK-JUD 07, was conducting a recreational flight from Žamberk airport. While flying at a low altitude near the village of Helvíkovice, the aircraft entered a right-hand spin. During the descent, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines, causing them to snap.

The impact was followed by a post-crash fire caused by leaking fuel. Although the crew managed to exit the burning wreckage before firefighters arrived, both occupants sustained severe injuries. The pilot died in the hospital three days later due to burns covering 86% of his body and inhalation injuries. The passenger passed away 25 days after the accident due to complications from burns.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation established that the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude, approximately 30 meters above the ground, at a low airspeed. A witness observed the aircraft climbing slowly before it began a right-hand turn and subsequently entered a steep descent.

Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the engine was still operating at the time of impact, based on the condition of the wooden propeller fragments. The investigation also looked into the pilot's qualifications, noting that while the pilot held a valid ultralight pilot license, there was no definitive evidence that he had received the specific type rating required for the Májá model. Furthermore, it could not be confirmed if the pilot was authorized to carry a passenger, as regulations require a minimum of 50 total hours and 5 hours on the specific type for such operations.

Findings

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed, leading to a loss of control and an unrecovered spin at low altitude.
The aircraft struck high-voltage power lines, which were severed during the crash.
The post-crash fire was caused by the ignition of fuel leaking from ruptured tanks.
The pilot's lack of specific type training for the Májá may have contributed to the inability to recover from the low-altitude stall/spin.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to manage the aircraft's airspeed during low-altitude flight, resulting in an unrecovered spin that led to the impact with power lines and subsequent fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-10-25 M+M Rakušan, „Mája“ accident near obec Helvíkovice, CZ?

A recreational flight in a Majá ultralight aircraft ended in a fatal spin and subsequent fire near Helvíkovice, Czech Republic, resulting in two deaths.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-10-25 involved a M+M Rakušan, „Mája“, at obec Helvíkovice, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to manage the aircraft's airspeed during low-altitude flight, resulting in an unrecovered spin that led to the impact with power lines and subsequent fire.

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