What happened
On June 3, 2013, a Fokker 100, registration OE-IIB, operated by M-Jet Aviation, arrived at Kunovice Airport on a charter flight from Moscow-Vnukovo. After landing on runway 21C, the pilot attempted to perform a 180-degree turn to taxi back to the apron via taxiway A. During this maneuver, the nose gear left the concrete surface and entered the adjacent grass area. The aircraft eventually came to a stop with its main gear partially embedded in the soft ground. There were no injuries to the five passengers or the crew.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined flight data recorder information, air traffic control communications, and physical evidence at the scene. Investigators noted that the grass area surrounding the runway end was heavily saturated due to intense rainfall preceding the incident. Analysis of the tracks left by the aircraft showed that the nose gear tracks began 1.5 meters from the runway centerline and moved toward the right edge of the runway. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's use of differential thrust, noting a 22% power difference between the engines during the turn, which was likely an attempt to overcome the increased rolling resistance of the muddy ground.
Findings
- The pilot incorrectly estimated the aircraft's starting position required to safely complete a 180-degree turn on the available pavement.
- The pilot did not initially request ground assistance for the turn, only requesting a tug after the aircraft had already entered the grass.
- The surrounding grass surface was saturated and muddy following heavy recent rains.
- The nose gear mechanism sustained damage due to static overload caused by the high resistance of the muddy terrain while the steering was at its maximum deflection angle.
- The runway end lacks a standard turnaround apron, and the concrete surface transitions directly into the grass.