What happened
On May 5, 2012, a Z 526 AFS-V aircraft, registration OK-CXC, was performing glider towing operations near Olomouc. After completing 15 successful glider tows from LKOL, the pilot intended to proceed to Bohuňovice (LKBO) to perform another tow for a different glider.
During the approach to LKBO, the pilot extended the landing gear to reduce speed and performed a circuit to check the runway and release the tow rope. During the final approach, the pilot retracted the landing gear and released the rope. While performing a small circuit at 300 ft AGL, the pilot focused on landing as close to the runway threshold as possible to ensure sufficient stopping distance on the grass. During this process, the pilot failed to realize that the landing gear had been retracted. The pilot only became aware of the retracted gear via the cockpit warning signal just before touchdown. The aircraft struck the ground on its retracted gear, causing the engine to stall and resulting in significant damage to the propeller, engine cowlings, and exhaust. The impact also caused the ailerons to break away from their mounts.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot, who was qualified and experienced on the Zlin series, did not perform the necessary checks to confirm the gear was locked in the extended position. The investigation noted that the aircraft's warning system was configured to activate when the throttle was retarded to approximately 1,400–1,500 RPM, which occurred just before the flare. The investigation also confirmed that the available runway length at LKBO was sufficient for the aircraft's landing requirements.
Findings
- The pilot failed to follow standard procedures by not verifying the landing gear position using both the instrument indicators and the mechanical indicator.
- The pilot's concentration was primarily focused on the landing point and touchdown accuracy.
- The pilot failed to extend or verify the extension of the landing gear prior to landing.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine components, and ailerons due to the impact forces during the landing.