What happened
On June 17, 2012, a Cessna F-152, registration OK-AVK, was performing a solo navigation flight from Roudnice nad Labem. After completing a previous flight, the pilot had taken off at 14:12 UTC, heading toward Švihov. The flight proceeded normally through the initial stages, with the pilot maintaining altitudes between 3,000 and 4,000 ft GPS.
Prior to the accident, the pilot performed horizontal maneuvers at low altitudes, between 100 and 600 ft AGL. While returning toward Roudnice, the aircraft passed near the village of Čistá. At approximately 15:54 UTC, the aircraft entered a left-hand spin at an altitude of approximately 341 ft AGL. The aircraft impacted the ground at a nearly vertical angle, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized radar data, GPS analysis, and witness statements. The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's qualifications, and the meteorological environment.
Technical inspections of the Cessna F-152 focused on the control systems and the engine. Investigators found that all control surfaces, including the ailerons and elevators, were functional and showed no signs of pre-impact failure. The engine, a Lycoming O-235, was found to be in good working order, with no evidence of mechanical failure or fuel starvation. Analysis of the fuel showed sufficient reserves were available. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training, noting that while the pilot was fully qualified and had received spin recovery training, they lacked practical experience in recovering from actual spin events.
Findings
- The pilot performed unauthorized horizontal maneuvers below 500 ft AGL.
- During the critical phase, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed, allowing the aircraft to decelerate significantly.
- The pilot was likely focused on selecting an emergency landing site, which diverted attention from maintaining flying speed.
- The loss of control during the management of an emergency situation led to the entry into a spin.
- Local meteorological conditions, specifically high humidity and temperature, may have created conditions conducive to carburetor icing, potentially causing a loss of engine power.
- The pilot successfully performed the required engine failure checklists, including setting the carburetor heat and fuel selector, but could not prevent the spin at such a low altitude.