Piper PA-28R-200 D-EEFJ Runway Excursion at Karlovy Vary

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 7 June 2014, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration D-EEFJ, operated by a private individual, experienced a runway excursion while landing at Karlovy Vary Airport (LKKV). The aircraft, manufactured in 1969, was powered by a Lycoming IO-360 CIC engine and equipped with a Hartzell HC-CZYK-1BF propeller. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had a total airframe time of 3,931 hours and 42 minutes. ## Flight Progression and Runway Departure The pilot, a 71-year-old male holding a private pilot license, conducted a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Babenhausen (EDEF) with one passenger. The aircraft contacted Karlovy Vary Radar at 09:39 UTC and subsequently received clearance to land on Runway 11. The pilot reported a landing speed of approximately 80 knots and a normal touchdown. During the rollout, after passing Taxiway C, the aircraft began to veer to the right. Despite the pilot's attempt to maintain direction using the left rudder pedal, the aircraft continued to turn right and exited the runway onto a grassy area. ## Damage and Aftermath The nose gear struck a lateral runway light, breaking its post. The impact and subsequent movement on the grass caused damage to the nose gear, the right main gear leg, gear covers, the engine cowling, and the right wing. The aircraft came to a stop rotated approximately 180 degrees from its landing direction. The runway was closed for 59 minutes due to the obstruction. No injuries were reported to the pilot or passenger, and the only other damage was to the runway light.