Incident Overview
On 29 March 2005, at 17:10 UTC, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft, registration OK-SDK, was involved in an incident near Hořovice Airport (LKHV). The aircraft was being used for differential training on the type, with the pilot conducting solo training circuits practicing takeoffs and landings.
Sequence of Events
During the second flight, while in the third turn of the northern circuit after the village of Tlustice, the pilot detected irregular engine operation. As a result, the pilot decided to perform a forced landing in a field.
Aircraft and Personnel
The pilot, aged 43, held a valid PPL/SEP land/NIGHT license and a valid medical certificate. Total flight time was 160 hours. The aircraft was a 1964 Piper PA28-180 (serial number 28-1710) with a total flight time of 3566 hours 30 minutes. The last periodic 50-hour inspection had been performed on 27 January 2005 at 3553 hours. The aircraft had valid operating documents and maintenance was performed according to manufacturer's procedures. The technical condition of the aircraft did not contribute to the incident.
Weather and Site
Meteorological conditions at the airport at the time included visibility greater than 10 km, a cloud base at 700 m, QNH 1009 hPa, wind 160°/6 kt, and daylight. The landing site was an agricultural field approximately 1.5 km from the airport boundary near the village of Záluží. The surface was dry and load-bearing, with unevenness from previous cultivation (0.1-0.15 m deep). The field was crossed by power lines at heights of about 12 to 20 m. The aircraft's flaps were found retracted, engine controls in "stop" and mixture lever in "lean" position. Both fuel tanks were half full; oil level was 5 3/4 quarts. The flight controls were free and unrestricted.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot had appropriate qualifications and was medically fit. Pre-flight preparation and aircraft airworthiness were in order. Weather and airport conditions did not influence the incident. The pilot inadvertently leaned the fuel mixture when adjusting the engine power after the third turn, contrary to the procedures in the flight manual. Given the low altitude and obstacles, the pilot chose to execute a forced landing in open terrain.
Conclusion
The incident was caused by pilot error during adjustment of engine power in flight, leading to irregular engine operation and a subsequent forced landing in terrain.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were made as a result of this incident.