What happened
On March 27, 2005, a P2002 Sierra, registration OK-KUU 55, was engaged in a planned navigational flight starting from Benešov. During the flight, the pilot deviated from the intended route and instead flew over the village of Žihle. The pilot had previously used an airfield area near Hluboka for several flights that day and was attempting a fourth flight with a planned route involving Rakovník and Plasy.
Due to extremely low cloud ceilings—estimated at approximately 30 meters above the ground—the pilot likely attempted an emergency landing at the same field near Hluboka. A witness observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, disappearing into the clouds. Shortly after, the sound of the engine was heard again as the aircraft appeared low to the ground, passing behind a warehouse structure. The engine noise ceased following a loud impact. The aircraft struck the ground near high-voltage power lines and caught fire due to leaking fuel. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal brain injuries upon impact.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the aircraft was significantly overweight at the time of the accident. Based on the empty weight, the estimated weights of the pilot and passenger, and the remaining fuel, the total weight was approximately 557.9 kg, exceeding the maximum takeoff weight of 472.5 kg by roughly 85.4 kg.
The investigation also examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and found no failures in the control elements. Evidence from the propeller fragments indicated that the engine was still producing power until the moment of impact. While the pilot had a valid license and medical certificate, the investigation noted that the pilot was likely operating under high levels of psychological stress during the final moments of the flight.
Findings
- The pilot made the incorrect decision to fly into unsuitable meteorological conditions characterized by very low cloud ceilings.
- The pilot failed to notice the presence of high-voltage power lines while surveying the landing area.
- The pilot attempted to fly under the power lines but was unable to control the aircraft, leading to the collision with the ground.
- The aircraft was operating significantly above its maximum allowable takeoff weight.