What happened
On July 22, 2004, a Cirrus SR 20, registration N 5338S, was performing a VFR flight from Prague (LKPD) to Ústí nad Orlicí (LKUO). During the landing phase on runway 32, the pilot attempted to land on the southeastern portion of the grass strip.
The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down at a speed of 75 KT, initially making contact with the right main wheel, followed by the left main wheel, while the nose simultaneously pitched upward. In response to this pitch-up, the pilot applied forward elevator input. Due to the resulting forward inertial forces, the rotating propeller struck the grass surface multiple times. The aircraft continued its rollout toward the parking area without further propeller contact.
No injuries were reported among the crew, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear strut, the nose gear aerodynamic fairing, and the propeller blades, which showed soil impacts and minor abrasions.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot held a valid PPL and medical certification. The aircraft's technical condition and equipment were found to be airworthy and did not contribute to the event. Meteorological conditions at the time of landing included light rain showers, and the grass runway surface was wet, though it remained suitable for the aircraft type. The investigation noted that the pilot chose to land during a brief window of time between passing rain showers.
Findings
- The pilot was under time pressure due to an attempt to land during a break in local rain showers.
- In an effort to expedite the landing, the pilot prioritized speed over landing quality, resulting in a landing performed at a higher-than-ideal velocity.
- The forward elevator input, intended to correct the aircraft's attitude, caused the propeller to strike the ground.