What happened
On May 28, 2016, at approximately 09:00 UTC, a Zlín Z-226MS, registration OK-KNI, was taxiing to the holding point for runway 34 at Liberec Airport. The pilot had started the engine and was maneuvering along the taxiway, following another Z-226 aircraft that was preparing to connect to a glider.
To maintain visibility of the lead aircraft and avoid a tow rope being handled by ground personnel, the pilot was taxiing in a serpentine manner on the left side of the taxiway. As the lead aircraft turned toward the runway threshold, the pilot shifted his attention to the ground crew retrieving the rope. During this period of diverted attention, the aircraft struck a parked tractor located on the taxiway, approximately 150 meters northeast of the runway 3t4 threshold. The collision caused damage to the leading edge of the right wing and the propeller.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified with a valid medical certificate and appropriate ratings (SEP, TOW-S, NIGHT). The aircraft was also found to be airworthy with valid maintenance and insurance documentation. Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were favorable, with high visibility and stable weather.
Investigators determined that the tractor was positioned in a location that was not visible from the cockpit due to the aircraft's forward profile. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot had undergone a breathalyzer test by the police, which yielded a negative result for alcohol.