Overview
On 24 September 2013 at 08:10 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca, registration OK-DKP, was involved in an accident on a field 77 meters before the threshold of runway 32 at Jaroměř Airport (LKJA). The aircraft was operated by DSA a.s. and was being used for a practical examination for the MEP land (multi-engine piston) qualification. The crew consisted of an examiner (commander) and a student pilot.
Event Sequence
According to the investigation, the examiner was conducting a practical test for the student pilot to obtain the MEP land rating. The communication was in English as the student was not a Czech national. After completing prescribed checks, they proceeded with the "safe landing practice" element, simulating an emergency (fire/smoke) in accordance with test protocol point 5.4. During the final approach phase, the examiner decided to terminate the test due to the student's imprecise performance. The propeller controls were not set to fine pitch, so the examiner instructed the student to adjust them. The student initially added power, then, realizing the error, suddenly closed the throttles. This caused the aircraft to sink and make a hard contact with the ground on the field before the runway threshold. The examiner could not prevent the impact despite immediately increasing engine power. After bouncing, the examiner took over, added full power, and climbed. Determining the aircraft was capable of continued flight, he returned to Hradec Králové Airport (LKHK) with the landing gear extended. There, he performed two fly-pasts in front of the AFIS station to verify the gear position. Before landing, he shut down both engines, turned off electrical equipment, closed fuel valves, and opened the door.
Injuries
No injuries occurred to the crew or ground personnel. The crew of two reported no injuries.
Aircraft Damage
The hard impact resulted in structural damage to the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. A detailed inspection at an authorized maintenance facility revealed: left main landing gear with bent piston and damaged attachment; right main landing gear with bent piston and torn mount from main spar; left wing with broken skin between engine nacelle and gear well and bent rib; right wing with broken skin, bent and broken rib, and torn landing gear mount bracket; left elevator with wrinkled skin; fuselage with wrinkled skin between frames and visibly disrupted structure. The aircraft was withdrawn from service.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by a commission appointed by DSA a.s., chaired by Vítězslav Zakl. The final report was issued on 27 January 2014. No probable cause was stated in the provided source.