What happened
On February 3, 2011, a student pilot was performing a single training circuit at Bubovice Aerodrome (LKBU). The flight was intended to be a standard takeoff and landing on runway 28L. At the time, the airfield was covered in a continuous layer of snow approximately 5 cm deep, and the AFIS service was not in operation; the pilot was communicating via a portable radio monitored by an instructor on the ground.
During the approach phase, the pilot extended the flaps to 10°, 2 and then 30°. While the aircraft maintained a stable airspeed of 70 knots, the pilot realized the aircraft was too far to the right of the centerline for runway 28L. Rather than correcting the alignment or performing a go-around, the pilot attempted to land on runway 28R, an unmarked runway that the pilot had never used before.
Due to a poor estimation of altitude over the snow-covered terrain and improper piloting technique, the aircraft flew too low with a slight left bank, drifting approximately 5 meters from the intended path. The aircraft struck the main landing gear, causing it to bounce. The pilot's subsequent attempt to control the aircraft resulted in a nose-down pitch. The nose gear struck the ground with enough force to deform and break, causing the aircraft to skid approximately 13 meters before coming to a stop.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification, and was not under the influence of alcohol. The aircraft, a Cessna 150, had no evidence of technical failure. The investigation also noted that the airfield surface was covered in snow and that runway 28R lacked visual markings.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was improper piloting technique during the approach and the subsequent bounce during landing.
- The pilot's lack of experience contributed to a failure to accurately estimate the aircraft's altitude over the snow-covered surface.
- The decision to land on an unmarked runway (28R) instead of correcting the approach to the marked runway (28L) or performing a go-around contributed to the sequence of events.
- The heavy impact resulted in significant damage, including a broken nose gear, a damaged engine mount, a bent propeller, and damage to the left main gear and lower fuselage skin.