What happened
On June 25, 2016, at approximately 10:52 UTC, a Zlín Z726, registration OK-DRC, was performing a takeoff from runway 25R at Jindřichův Hradec Airport. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered a crosswind, which caused it to deviate from the runway centerline. The aircraft drifted to the right of the runway, crossing the safety area.
As the pilot attempted to maintain altitude over the terrain, the aircraft's flight path intersected with hay bales located on the grassy area beyond the runway safety strip. The aircraft struck a hay bale, which further decelerated the plane and led to a heavy impact with the ground. The force of the impact caused the retractable landing gear to collapse. Following the impact, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft slid on its belly, eventually rotating approximately 18 and a half degrees around its vertical axis. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the flight parameters, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical state. The investigation established that the weather conditions were CAVOK with a wind from 150 degrees at 4 to 10 knots. The pilot held a valid CPL and medical certificate, and the aircraft was airworthy with a valid inspection status. The investigation focused on the pilot's response to the crosswind and the sequence of events leading to the contact with the obstacle.
Findings
- The pilot failed to effectively compensate for the effects of the crosswind during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft's flight configuration and the pilot's attempt to maintain altitude over the rising terrain prevented the aircraft from gaining the necessary airspeed for a climb.
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with a hay bale during takeoff, which subsequently led to the ground impact and landing gear collapse.