Ground accident involving a Cessna 421B at Ostrava-Mošnov Airport (OK-TKF)

Overview and Aircraft Details On 3 March 2004, a Cessna 421B with registration OK-TKF, operated by Silesia Air s.r.o., was involved in a ground accident at Ostrava-Mošnov Airport (LKMT). The aircraft, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company with serial number 421B-0931, was used for public transport. The accident occurred at 0900 local time (0800 UTC) while the aircraft was taxiing for refueling. ## Sequence of Events During taxiing, the pilot encountered a left-turning maneuver on the taxiway. The left main landing gear struck a snow drift, causing the wheel to brake and the aircraft to enter deeper snow. After shutting down the engines, the pilot exited the aircraft and visually inspected it, discovering a bent propeller blade on the left engine. The incident was reported to the Institute for Technical Investigation of Causes of Aviation Accidents (ÚZPLN) and the Czech Police. ## Environmental and Operational Conditions The weather conditions at the time included a snow squall, visibility of approximately 1 km, wind from 020-040 degrees at 8 knots, and a temperature of +2°C. The ground was covered in snow, and the edges of the movement area had partially blended with the surroundings. The pilot misjudged the aircraft's position on the movement area due to these conditions. ## Damage and Investigation Findings The accident resulted in minor damage to the left propeller. The authorized service, PILOTEN SERVICE R. RIEGER GmBH, assessed the damage at €40,457.32. No injuries were reported among the crew or other persons. The investigation concluded that the cause of the ground accident was the pilot's failure to control the aircraft during ground movement, inattention, and underestimation of the weather's impact. The pilot was found to be qualified, and the aircraft had valid documentation. No other organizations or services were found to have contributed to the accident.