What happened
On August 24, 2013, a Commander 112, registration OK-VYS, was performing a short takeoff from runway 36 at Šumperk Airport (LKSU). The pilot, intending to fly a local flight for experience, utilized a 20° flap setting. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a sudden side wind gust from the right, which caused the plane to settle onto its left main gear after rotation.
In an attempt to maintain rotation and achieve lift, the pilot maintained an excessively high angle of attack. As the aircraft continued down the runway, the nose wheel began to retract, and the aircraft eventually struck the rear fuselage against the runway surface. The aircraft overran the end of the grass runway by approximately 114 meters, entered a plowed field, and struck a shallow ditch alongside a road. The impact caused the nose gear strut to break, the left main gear to tear from its mount, and the left wing to be torn from the fuselage. The aircraft came to a stop in a field, rotated approximately 140° from its original heading, and sustained heavy damage. There were no fatalities and no serious injuries to the pilot or the three passengers on board.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined photographic evidence captured during the takeoff roll, which documented the aircraft's pitch, lateral tilt, and the sequence of the landing gear retraction. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane was airworthy and within weight limits. The committee analyzed the runway slope, the meteorological conditions (including a crosswind), and the pilot's flight maneuvers. The investigation also looked into whether the pilot's configuration changes—specifically the potential accidental retraction of the landing gear—contributed to the loss of performance.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain a safe climb speed due to an excessively high angle of attack.
- The pilot did not decide to abort the takeoff in a timely manner despite the aircraft failing to gain sufficient airspeed.
- A sudden wind gust from the right side contributed to the aircraft's instability immediately after rotation.
- The pilot's attempt to maintain rotation likely led to the aircraft's pitch becoming too steep, preventing the acquisition of safe climb velocity.
- There was uncertainty regarding whether the pilot intentionally or accidentally moved the landing gear lever to the 'retracted' position while attempting to manage the flaps.
- The aircraft's structural failure, including the loss of the left wing, was a direct result of the impact with the terrain and obstacles.