What happened
On April 9, 2019, an L-410 UVP-E20, registration 2601, operated by the Czech Army, arrived at Přerov Airport (LKPO) for landing. At the time of the arrival, both runways at the aerodrome were officially closed according to published NOTAMs due to ongoing construction and maintenance of the PAPI lighting system.
The flight crew, flying a VFR mission from Kbely, contacted the Přerov RADIO dispatcher and was explicitly informed that the airport was closed. However, during the approach, an individual using a handheld radio—identified as an official conducting UAV inspections—interjected into the communication. This individual informed the crew that while the paved runway was unavailable, landing on the grass runway (RWY 23) was possible. Relying on this information, the pilot decided to land on the grass strip. After landing, the crew disembarked passengers via a military bus, and the aircraft subsequently departed from the closed airport later that day.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined statements from the Přerov RADIO dispatcher, a Civil Aviation Authority (ÚCL) employee conducting inspections, and findings from a Ministry of Defence commission. The investigation focused on the sequence of communications and the crew's adherence to published aeronautical information. The investigation also noted that the aircraft landed with a weight exceeding the declared load-bearing capacity of the grass runway, though no damage to the runway was reported.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the decision of the pilot to land and depart from an airport with closed runways.
- The flight crew failed to review the relevant NOTAMs prior to flight preparation.
- The crew did not respect the dispatcher's instruction regarding the airport closure.
- An unidentified individual intervened in the radio communications to suggest an alternative landing surface, which influenced the crew's decision.
- The aircraft's technical condition and the weather conditions did not contribute to the incident.