What happened
On September 22, 2003, at 10:18 UTC, a Piper PA-44 180T, registration OK-MAT, was involved in a ground incident at Hořovice airport (LKHV). The aircraft, operated by a private pilot, was performing a recreational flight and was in the process of taxiing to runway 07 for takeoff.
While taxiing across a grassy area located between the paved taxiway and runway 07, the aircraft encountered a depression in the turf. This uneven terrain caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in minor damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot or the additional occupant on board, and no fire was reported.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot held a valid commercial pilot license (MEP land/IR) and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy and properly fueled with AVGAS 100 LL. The investigation examined the taxi path and the airport's operational procedures, noting that the weather conditions—characterized by clear skies and light winds—did not contribute to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to adhere to the Hořovice airport operating regulations regarding the prescribed taxi route.
- The immediate cause was the propeller making contact with the terrain due to an uneven surface in the grassy area.
- The method of taxiing used by the pilot from the starting point to the runway takeoff position did not comply with the airport's established procedures.