What happened
On August 26, 2005, at 13:32 UTC, an EV-97 Eurostar, registration OK-KUR 16, crashed at Prague Letnany Airport (LKLT), resulting in two fatalities. The aircraft, operated by LETOV AIR FLIGHT SERVICES s.r.o., was performing a flight that included a route from Závist through Tábor and Nové Hrady.
During the final approach to runway 23, the pilot maintained a stable descent profile with flaps extended. However, the pilot suddenly announced an intention to execute a missed approach. As the aircraft attempted to climb, it began to yaw significantly to the left. The pilot subsequently retracted the flaps, which further degraded the aircraft's performance. The aircraft subsequently entered a left-wing bank and an aerodynamic stall, impacting the ground at an angle of approximately 60 degrees. The engine was functioning normally at the time of impact, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined GPS data, radio communications with LKKB ATS, witness testimony, and the aircraft's wreckage. Investigators performed a flight test of the EV-97 Eurostar type to evaluate its handling characteristics. This test confirmed that during a missed approach maneuver, the aircraft tends to yaw left by approximately 30 degrees; if not corrected by the pilot, this can lead to a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall.
Weight and balance calculations were also performed. The investigation determined that the aircraft's takeoff weight was approximately 524 kg, which exceeded the maximum allowable takeoff weight of 450 kg by 74 kg (16.5%).
Findings
- The pilot failed to manage the missed approach maneuver effectively.
- The aircraft was overloaded, exceeding its maximum takeoff weight by 16.5%, which negatively impacted its flight characteristics.
- The pilot's training did not adequately prepare them for the specific aerodynamic challenges of a missed approach in this aircraft type.
- Discrepancies were noted in the pilot's logbook entries regarding recent flight experience.
- The pilot and passenger both died instantly due to cerebral contusions.