What happened
On March 3, 2004, at approximately 09:00 local time, a Cessna 421 B, registration OK-TKF, was taxiing at Ostrava Mošnov Airport (LKMT) to replenish fuel. During a left turn on the taxiway, the aircraft's left main gear encountered a snowdrift. This caused the left wheel to decelerate abruptly, forcing the aircraft into deeper snow. Following the engine shutdown, the pilot conducted a visual inspection and discovered that the propeller blade on the left engine had been bent.
At the time of the incident, the weather conditions included snow showers with visibility of approximately 1 km. The ground surfaces were covered in snow, and the ambient temperature was +2°C.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified and medically fit for the flight. The aircraft's documentation was valid, and all maintenance records were in order. The investigation also confirmed that air traffic services and airport infrastructure were functioning normally and did not contribute to the event. Testing by the Czech Police confirmed that the pilot was not under the influence of alcohol.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the aircraft's position on the taxiway due to the snow-covered surfaces and the partial blending of the taxiway edges with the surrounding environment.
- The aircraft's left propeller struck a snowdrift that had a very rigid structure.
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error involving a loss of control during ground movement, driven by inattention and an underestimation of the impact of the weather conditions.