What happened
On April 20, 2016, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigation training flight as part of a prescribed syllabus. The flight, involving a Cessna C-150L, registration OK-OKA, began from Bubovice airport. While the flight plan was intended to cover a route of approximately 270 km, the pilot deviated from the planned path to perform maneuvers over the village of Chrášťovice.
Witnesses observed the aircraft circling the village. Analysis of a video recording captured on the pilot's mobile phone reveals that the pilot was using one hand to operate the phone while flying. The footage shows the aircraft performing various horizontal and vertical maneuvers at low altitudes, estimated between 30 and 50 meters above the ground. During the final stages of the flight, the aircraft entered an intense climb, which led to a rapid decrease in airspeed and a sudden transition into a spin. The aircraft struck the ground with high impact, resulting in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized radar data, witness statements, and a 47-second video clip recovered from the pilot's mobile phone. The investigation examined the pilot's qualifications, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the flight's compliance with aviation regulations.
Technical examination of the Cessna C-150L showed no mechanical failures in the engine or flight control systems prior to the impact. The engine was found to be functioning correctly, and the aircraft was within its maintenance schedule. The investigation also reviewed the training organization's records, noting discrepancies in how flight hours were logged and identifying that the pilot had been authorized for solo flights without a required radio operator certificate.
Findings
- The pilot was distracted by the act of recording video, which led to a lack of sufficient attention to flight controls.
- The aircraft was operated at an altitude below the minimum safety requirements for Class G airspace.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the presence of known individuals on the ground waving at the aircraft.
- The loss of control was triggered by an intense climb that induced a spin at an altitude too low to allow for recovery.
- The pilot was not properly secured with the aircraft's safety harness, using only the lap belt.
- The training organization had permitted solo flights in violation of local electronic communications laws regarding radio operator requirements.