What happened
On July 15, 2018, a Schepp-Hirth Ventus 2cM motor glider, registration OK-0070, was performing a training flight departing from Zábřeh (LKZA). Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted a significant reduction in engine power from the Solo 2625 engine, with the climb rate dropping to approximately 1.0–1.5 m/s, well below the expected 2.2 m/s.
While the engine power briefly increased, the engine subsequently failed completely at an altitude of approximately 70 to 80 meters above the ground. The pilot attempted to restart the engine using the starter, but these efforts were unsuccessful. To avoid the town of Krava and due to the low altitude, the pilot decided to perform an immediate forced landing in a field located north of Kravaře.
During the landing sequence, the pilot had not fully extended the landing gear. As the aircraft contacted the ground in a beet field, the partially extended gear retracted into the fuselage. The impact with large beets protruding from the soil caused a bulb to penetrate the aircraft's fuselage.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine and the circumstances of the landing. Technical examination of the Solo 2625 engine by the manufacturer revealed that the failure was caused by a piston seizure in one of the cylinders. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's actions regarding the landing gear and the suitability of the landing site. The pilot's medical and flight qualifications were confirmed to be valid, and the aircraft's annual inspection records showed it was airworthy prior to the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a significant loss of engine power followed by a total engine failure due to piston seizure.
- The pilot was unable to fully extend the landing gear before touchdown due to the low altitude and the urgency of the situation.
- The structural damage to the fuselage was caused by the impact of a beet bulb against the airframe.
- The pilot's decision to land in the field was a necessary response to the engine failure at a very low altitude.