Beechcraft V35B Overturns During Failed Takeoff at Closed Hosín Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • LKHS, CZ

A Beechcraft V35B aircraft overturned after striking a snowbank during a takeoff attempt on a closed runway at Hosín Airport.

What happened

On February 20, 2005, a Beechcraft V35B, registration D-EEOL, attempted to take off from Hosín Airport (LKHS) while the aerodrome was officially closed to flight operations. Prior to the event, the pilot had been informed by the airport operator that the facility was out of service and that any takeoff would be at the pilot's own discretion.

During the takeoff sequence on runway 06L, the pilot made several unsuccessful attempts to lift the aircraft. The runway surface was covered with approximately 20 cm of snow, which created significant resistance during the ground roll. Following three failed attempts due to insufficient airspeed, a fourth attempt was initiated. During this fourth run, the nose wheel was lifted, but the aircraft failed to gain sufficient speed. The aircraft then suddenly veered approximately 30 degrees to the left, exiting the paved surface of the runway and striking a 1-meter-high snowbank located near the edge of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to nose over, resulting in the failure of the nose gear, damage to the propeller, and structural damage to the engine mounts and wing edges.

No injuries were reported among the two occupants.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation established that the aircraft had landed at the same closed airport two days prior to the accident. The investigation examined the runway conditions, noting that the runway was not maintained during the winter season and that a layer of unplowed snow remained on the surface. The commission also reviewed the pilot's decision-making process following the notification from the airport operator regarding the closed status of the airfield.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the attempt to take off from a runway that was unfit for flight operations due to an unremoved layer of snow. This was compounded by the fact that the aircraft had landed at the closed airport two days earlier, and the situation was not addressed by the relevant authorities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-02-20 BE V35B accident near LKHS, CZ?

A Beechcraft V35B aircraft overturned after striking a snowbank during a takeoff attempt on a closed runway at Hosín Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-02-20 involved a BE V35B, at LKHS, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the attempt to take off from a runway that was unfit for flight operations due to an unremoved layer of snow. This was compounded by the fact that the aircraft had landed at the closed airport two days earlier, and the situation was not addressed by the relevant authorities.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/60. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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