What happened
On April 28, 2018, at approximately 15:25 local time, a Morane-Saulnier MS893E, registration OK-PLZ, was performing a scheduled sightseeing flight from Plzeň-Letkov Airport (LKPL). The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers.
During the takeoff roll on runway 26, the aircraft began to deviate toward the left edge of the runway. As the aircraft continued its takeoff run, it exited the paved surface and entered an area characterized by significant thermal turbulence and shifting wind directions. During this phase, the aircraft struck a runway side marker and encountered a terrain feature consisting of a steep, 80 cm deep notch in the earthwork separating the airfield from the adjacent terrain.
The impact with this terrain feature caused the nose gear and the right main landing gear to break off. The right wing, including the flap and leading edge, also sustained heavy damage. Despite the structural failure, the pilot managed to complete the takeoff and climb to an altitude of approximately 40 meters. Following the incident, the pilot performed a left turn and a subsequent right turn to approach the opposite runway (08) for an immediate landing. The aircraft landed on its left gear and belly, eventually coming to a stop after a ground excursion. There were no injuries among the four occupants.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized pilot and passenger statements, witness testimony, and data from a local Tracker system. The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness, the pilot's qualifications, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Technical inspections of the aircraft's control systems showed no evidence of mechanical failure, and the pilot's medical and flight qualifications were found to be valid. The investigation also assessed the physical state of the airfield and the specific terrain features encountered during the takeoff roll.