What happened
On July 27, 2005, at approximately 18:30 local time, a Bölkov BO 208 C Junior, registration D-EGZL, was performing a landing on runway 23L at Letňany Airport (LKLT). The aircraft initially touched down on all wheels simultaneously in the middle of the runway. After traveling approximately 15 meters, the aircraft became airborne again.
Following this single bounce, the aircraft descended and struck the ground first on its nose gear, then on the right main gear, and finally on the left main gear. Upon the nose gear contact, the propeller struck the runway surface multiple times over a distance of approximately 4 meters. As the aircraft continued to travel, the nose gear began to undergo progressive destruction, buckling backward into the fuselage. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the runway, oriented approximately 15 degrees to the left of the centerline. The total distance from the initial touchdown to the final stop was measured at approximately 60 meters.
No injuries were reported for the pilot or the single passenger on board, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller and nose landing gear.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the aircraft's flight path, the physical evidence left on the runway, and the pilot's testimony. Investigators noted several discrepancies between the pilot's account and the physical evidence found at the scene. Specifically, the pilot claimed the initial ground roll lasted 100 meters, whereas physical tracks indicated only 15 meters. The pilot also reported two subsequent bounces and cited terrain undulations on the runway as a cause; however, no such undulations were found during the site inspection. Furthermore, the pilot's estimate of the total landing distance significantly exceeded the measured 60 meters.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was improper landing technique.
- The aircraft's documentation and the pilot's licenses were valid at the time of the occurrence.
- Weather conditions were favorable (CAVOK) with light winds.
- The runway surface was well-maintained and the grass was properly mown.