Mid-air collision between two aircraft during ground operations at Frýdlant

Casualties unknown • LKFR, CZ

An L 60S aircraft struck the propeller of a stationary Z 42M during taxiing at Frýdlant nad Ostravicí airport, resulting in structural damage to both aircraft.

What happened

On July 7, 2012, at approximately 09:10 UTC, a collision occurred on the grass movement area at Frýdlant nad Ostravicí airport (LKFR) involving two aircraft. The first aircraft, an L 60S, registration OK-LKG, was taxiing along the southern edge of runway 26 toward a waiting area. At the same time, a Z 42M, registration OK-JSE, was positioned perpendicular to the runway, performing engine checks.

As the pilot of the L 60S navigated through a narrow corridor between the runway edge and other aircraft lined up for takeoff, they attempted a rightward maneuver to avoid obstacles on the left. Due to limited visibility from the cockpit, the pilot did not detect the stationary Z 42M until the last moment. Consequently, the right wingtip of the L 60S struck the rotating propeller of the Z 42M. The impact caused significant damage to the right wing of the L 60S and damaged the propeller blades of the Z 42M. No injuries were reported, and both pilots passed sobriety tests.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation examined the taxiing procedures, the visibility conditions, and the positioning of the aircraft. The investigation established that the Z 42M was positioned in a critical area at the edge of the movement area. While the pilot of the Z 42M observed the approaching L 60S, they were focused on cockpit instruments and did not take action to shut down the engine or react to the approaching aircraft. The investigation also noted that the L 60S pilot's attention was primarily focused on maintaining clearance from obstacles on the left, leading to a failure to monitor the right side of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident was the **improper distribution of attention** by the pilot of the **L 60S** while taxiing between obstacles, which resulted in a failure to monitor the aircraft's surroundings on both sides.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-07-07 L 60 S accident near LKFR, CZ?

An L 60S aircraft struck the propeller of a stationary Z 42M during taxiing at Frýdlant nad Ostravicí airport, resulting in structural damage to both aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-07-07 involved a L 60 S, registration OK-LKG, at LKFR, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the accident was the **improper distribution of attention** by the pilot of the **L 60S** while taxiing between obstacles, which resulted in a failure to monitor the aircraft's surroundings on both sides.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/306. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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