Accident Overview
On 27 May 2016, at approximately 18:35 UTC, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration OK-LIP) nosed over during landing at the Bánov airfield (LKBANO). The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the forward fuselage, fin, and wings.
Flight History
Earlier that day, the aircraft was flown from Bánov to Moravská Třebová (LKMK) by another pilot. The owner-pilot then assumed control, and together they conducted four circuits at LKMK. After a short break and refueling, the owner-pilot departed for Bánov at 17:37 UTC. The flight to Bánov was uneventful, with no anomalies reported.
Approach and Landing
Approaching Bánov, the pilot performed a low pass over Runway 15, then a left turn to downwind, followed by an approach that was abandoned as a go-around. After another left turn, he aligned with the runway and began a descent. GPS data recorded a vertical speed of 1.5–2.0 m/s and groundspeed dropping to 86 km/h just before touchdown. The GPS track ended 35 meters before the runway threshold. Touchdown occurred in a field with 0.6-meter-tall crop, short of the runway. Marks indicated the right main wheel contacted first, followed by the left wheel about 10 meters later. At the transition from soft field to harder grassy surface, the aircraft decelerated abruptly and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The pilot exited, shut off fuel and ignition. A police breath test was negative.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time was overcast with occasional showers. Surface wind was from the southeast at 2–8 knots, with gusts near developing cumuliform clouds. Visibility was over 10 km. The pilot noted an approaching shower west of Uherský Brod; at Bánov it was overcast but not raining.
Analysis and Probable Cause
The pilot, aged 53, held a private pilot license with SEP land rating and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. He had logged about 125 hours total on various types. He completed type training on the PA-18-150 on 25 May 2016, with 1.5 hours and 15 takeoffs and landings. His total time on type, including the accident flight, was approximately 4 hours. He had never landed at Bánov before. The investigation concluded that the pilot misjudged the touchdown point due to limited experience on the type and unfamiliarity with the airfield. The published circuit pattern was not followed, possibly due to time pressure from approaching darkness and a local shower. A ground gust may have contributed to the asymmetry in wheel marks.