What happened
On May 8, 2019, a Viper SD4, registration OM-M505, was performing a landing on runway 24 at Přerov Airport (LKPO) when the aircraft experienced multiple bounces. The pilot, who was accompanied by one passenger, reported that the aircraft encountered turbulence and wind gusts during the approach.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft bounced several times. The pilot attempted to correct the aircraft's altitude using the elevator during these bounces, but an improper correction led to a heavy impact on the nose gear. This third contact with the runway caused the nose gear to break off. The aircraft subsequently veered left, coming to a stop with its nose section on the grass beyond the runway pavement. There were no injuries to the occupants, though the aircraft sustained significant damage, including a broken nose gear, damaged propeller blades, and damage to the lower fuselage skin.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's flight documentation, the aircraft's technical records, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's qualifications and the regulatory requirements for operating this specific aircraft type under the Slovak Federation of Ultra-Light Aviation (SFUL) regulations.
Findings
- The pilot was flying the aircraft without the required SFUL pilot license, making him unqualified to operate this specific type of aircraft.
- The pilot's improper use of the elevator during the multiple bounces was the primary cause of the heavy impact that broke the nose gear.
- While turbulence was present, the crosswind component remained within the limits specified in the aircraft's flight manual.
- The technical condition of the aircraft and the airport infrastructure were not contributing factors to the accident.