Incident Overview
On 31 January 2004 at 11:56 UTC, a student pilot was conducting a VFR training takeoff from runway 27 at Benešov Airport (LKBE). After a few seconds of taxi on the snow-covered surface, the pilot determined that the aircraft was not gaining sufficient speed for takeoff and decided to abort. While exiting the runway at increased speed, the aircraft entered a skid. It came to rest turned approximately 90 degrees to the left at the edge of the runway. The nose gear sustained minor damage.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-181, registration OK-MTT, serial number 2843566. It had a valid airworthiness certificate and maintenance release. Total airframe time was 263 hours. Weight and balance were within limits. The student pilot, aged 40, held a valid Class 2 medical certificate. His total flight experience was 104 hours, including 13 hours on the PA-28 type.
Meteorological and Runway Conditions
Weather conditions were CAVOK with wind from 200° at 10 knots and QNH 1013 hPa. Runway 27 was covered with a 15 cm layer of wet snow. The snow negatively affected aircraft movement, significantly limiting acceleration and increasing demands on pilot experience. The taxiway and runway surface condition was unsuitable for takeoffs and taxiing by low-experience pilots.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted under Czech regulation L 13. It found that the student pilot was properly trained and medically fit for VFR flight. The aircraft was airworthy. The runway surface condition was not appropriate for the student pilot's limited experience. The instructor had not taken the actual runway condition into account when preparing the flight.
Probable Cause
The cause of the serious incident was the student pilot's failure to master taxi technique when exiting the runway after aborting takeoff under conditions complicated by a layer of wet snow on the runway.