What happened
On August 23, 2014, a Van's Aircraft RV-7, registration LN-DSF, was conducting a VFR flight from Fürstenzell (EDMF) to České Budějovice (EDCY). After departing EDMF at 16:06 UTC, the pilot established contact with Munich FIS, reporting a flight level of 4,000 ft and requesting flight plan activation. The aircraft proceeded toward the Czech-German border, flying through the Munich FIR.
At approximately 16:17 UTC, radar tracking of the aircraft was lost near the border. The aircraft subsequently struck the treetops of dead and dry trees near the summit of Špičník mountain, approximately 7 km south of Modrava. The impact caused the immediate destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined radar data, onboard navigation system records, and communications with Munich FIS. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and local surveillance footage. Investigators analyzed the wreckage to determine the flight path and the nature of the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft was flying at a level that was in collision with the terrain of the mountain massif. While the pilot was flying at approximately 4,400 ft, the terrain in the flight path was rising toward the peaks of the Šumava mountains.
Findings
- The pilot was performing a VFR flight at an altitude that did not provide sufficient clearance above the terrain.
- The pilot made an inadequate decision to continue the flight in conditions that did not allow for the required VFR visibility and ground contact.
- Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident likely placed the aircraft within cloud cover, as the cloud base was observed at approximately 1,200 m AMSL, while the aircraft was flying at a much lower altitude.
- The aircraft was flying at a speed of approximately 150 knots, which did not allow the pilot sufficient time to react to obstacles.
- The pilot did not notify Munich FIS of any change in situation or intentions.
- It is possible the pilot relied on the autopilot during the flight and failed to utilize the terrain warning functions of the EFIS effectively.