2003 Evektor EV97 Eurostar accident at Dolní Chřibská (OK-HUR)

Overview and flight details On 21 June 2003 at 18:30 UTC, an Evektor EV97 Eurostar ultralight aircraft, registration OK-HUR 55, crashed in a field near Dolní Chřibská, in the Děčín District of the Czech Republic. The aircraft was operated by a private individual and was destroyed in the accident. Both persons on board, the pilot and a passenger, died from multiple injuries to vital organs. The aircraft took off from the Chřibská ultralight site, a 600 by 25 metre grass runway at 383 metres altitude. After takeoff, the pilot flew with a passenger toward the area of Dolní Chřibská, approximately 800 metres from the takeoff point. At low altitude over a building, with family members watching, the pilot began making horizontal turns. During a right turn with a large bank angle, the aircraft suddenly entered a steep dive and struck the ground. ## Aircraft and operational findings The aircraft was an Evektor EV-97R Eurostar, serial number 20021317, built in 2002, powered by a Rotax R912 UL engine and fitted with a WOODCOMP SR 200 propeller. The last inspection was carried out on 15 October 2002, but a valid technical certificate had not been issued because the owner did not pursue it. Liability insurance had not been arranged. The pilot was 50 years old and held ultralight and motorized hang glider pilot licenses. His medical certification was not valid at the time of the accident; he had self-confirmed a medical examination from 29 March 2002 despite not being an authorized aviation medical examiner. Toxicological testing found 0.74 g/kg of ethyl alcohol in the pilot's blood and 1.26 g/kg in his urine, indicating he was unfit to safely operate the aircraft. The estimated maximum takeoff weight was exceeded by at least 46 kg, or at least 10%. The aircraft was flown at low altitude over a populated area, contrary to minimum height requirements. ## Cause and investigation The investigation concluded that the main cause of the accident was the aircraft entering a dive due to careless and inattentive handling while exceeding its operational limitations. Contributing causes included the pilot operating the aircraft under the influence of alcohol, failure to maintain minimum flight height, and exceeding the maximum takeoff weight by at least 10%. Weather conditions at the time were suitable, with partly cloudy skies, wind from 280 degrees at 12 knots, visibility over 10 km, and a temperature of 16.8°C. The ultralight site was also deemed suitable for the flight. The final report was issued by the Institute for Professional Technical Investigation of Causes of Aircraft Accidents (ÚZPLN) on 30 September 2003.