2018 L 13 SE Vivat accident at Zábřeh (OK-9111)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 11 November 2018, an Aerotechnik Kunovice L 13 SE Vivat motor glider, bearing the registration OK-9111, was involved in an accident at the public domestic airport of Zábřeh (LKZA). The aircraft, manufactured in 1989, was operated by Slezský aeroklub Zábřeh z.s. and was powered by a Mikron IIIAE1 engine. The incident occurred at 09:20 UTC during a visual flight rules (VFR) local flight. ## Flight Progression and Pilot Actions Prior to the critical flight, the aircraft had completed two uneventful flights. During the final approach, the pilot reported a deviation from the right circuit to the southwest before rejoining the downwind position for runway 28. The pilot did not report the downwind, base, or final positions. According to the pilot's subsequent written statement, upon receiving a radio transmission regarding strengthening winds, he decided to shorten the circuit. When he received a warning that the landing gear was not extended, his instinctive reaction was to reach for the gear lever. This action inadvertently caused the aircraft to enter a descent that he was unable to recover from. ## Impact and Damage The aircraft struck the ground with its nose on the grassy strip adjacent to runway 28, approximately 90 meters before the runway threshold. The impact occurred with the main landing gear retracted. The collision resulted in the fracture of both wooden propeller blades and significant deformation of the nose, wings, and rear fuselage. The aircraft continued to move along the ground for approximately 50 meters. The damage was extensive enough for the aircraft to be classified as destroyed. ## Personnel and Emergency Response The 74-year-old pilot, who held a valid glider pilot license with motor glider qualifications, sustained serious injuries. There were no passengers on board. Witnesses at the glider launch site and the information provider observed the incident and alerted emergency services. A helicopter from the air rescue service, along with medical and fire crews, responded to the scene. A breath test conducted by the police on the pilot was negative for alcohol.