What happened
On June 6, 2014, at approximately 08:30 UTC, a Tecnam P 92 Echo, registration OK-FUU 22, was performing an aerotowing operation at Křižanov airfield (LKKA). The aircraft was towing an LS 3 glider. After departing from runway 32, the towplane climbed steadily, maintaining a consistent airspeed and altitude.
At approximately 08:23:18 UTC, while at an altitude of roughly 37 meters AGL, the towplane experienced a sudden and significant change in its vertical flight path. The aircraft's nose pitched down sharply, initiating a steep dive. During this rapid descent, the glider, which was positioned behind the towplane, moved into a position above the aircraft. Before the glider pilot could activate the release mechanism, the tow rope snapped.
The towplane struck an adjacent cornfield at a high angle of attack. The impact caused the immediate destruction of the fuel system, resulting in a post-crash fire that consumed the central section of the aircraft. The pilot of the Tecnam P 92 Echo sustained fatal injuries.
The glider pilot managed to execute a left-hand turn and successfully landed back at LKKA on runway 14.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined flight data recorder logs from both the towplane and the glider, as well as witness statements from several individuals at a nearby recreational center. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's performance parameters, including engine RPM, vertical speed, and load factors (G-load). Witnesses reported seeing the towplane's nose pitch toward the ground and hearing a loud impact shortly thereafter. The investigation also reviewed the sequence of events leading up to the release of the glider and the subsequent breakage of the tow rope.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden nose-down pitch during the climb.
- The vertical load factor (G-load) dropped significantly from 1.07g to as low as -0.57g during the descent.
- The tow rope broke before the glider pilot could manually release the connection.
- The impact with the ground caused an immediate post-crash fire due to fuel system failure.
- The pilot did not activate the emergency parachute system prior to impact.