Fatal Z-126 Engine Failure During Takeoff at Most Airport

Casualties unknown • letiště Most, CZ

A Z-126 aircraft crashed during its climb phase at Most Airport, resulting in the deaths of both occupants following an engine power loss.

What happened

On October 20, 2010, at approximately 10:35 UTC, a Z-126 aircraft, registration OK-JGL, crashed at Most Airport in the Czech Republic. The aircraft was in the climb phase following takeoff from runway 20R when the engine experienced a power loss. A witness near a hangar reported hearing an engine malfunction followed by a loud impact at the end of the runway.

The aircraft struck the ground at a steep angle of 80–90 degrees. The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused the engine to break away from its mounts. Both the pilot and the second person on board sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation examined the technical state of the engine, the aircraft's configuration, and the meteorological conditions. The investigation found that the engine's mechanical components, including the ignition system and fuel supply, were functional, and no mechanical failure or ignition fault could be confirmed as the cause of the power loss.

Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's aerodynamic configuration, noting that the flaps were in the retracted position. Meteorological data indicated high humidity and temperatures between +3°C and +7°C, conditions conducive to carburetor icing. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the possibility of the pilot transferring control to the second occupant, noting that while not definitively proven, the circumstances made this highly probable.

Findings

The exact cause of the engine power loss could not be definitively determined, though carburetor icing remains a possibility due to the high humidity and temperature levels.
The aircraft was likely flying at a speed near its stall limit, as the airspeed was recorded between 75–77 km/h, which is very close to the 80 km/h stall speed for this model without flaps.
The flaps were likely either not extended or were retracted prematurely during the takeoff climb.
The pilot was likely unable to effectively respond to the sudden loss of power and the resulting loss of airspeed in the critical phase of flight.
There was a high probability that the second occupant was operating the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the engine failure remains undetermined, but the accident resulted from an engine power loss during the climb, which led to a critical loss of airspeed that the crew could not effectively manage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-10-20 Z 126 accident near letiště Most, CZ?

A Z-126 aircraft crashed during its climb phase at Most Airport, resulting in the deaths of both occupants following an engine power loss.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-10-20 involved a Z 126, registration OK-JGL, at letiště Most, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the engine failure remains undetermined, but the accident resulted from an engine power loss during the climb, which led to a critical loss of airspeed that the crew could not effectively manage.

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