Incident Overview

Description
The DC-3, registered OK-WDK, operated on a cargo flight from Prague’s Ruzyne Airport (PRG) to Brno (BRQ) and Bratislava-Ivanka Airport (BTS). The first leg of the flight was uneventful. The crew contacted Bratislava at 22:42. They were cleared for an approach to runway 23. Weather was poor with a visibility of 1800 meters 5/8 clouds at 80 m, and overcast (8/8) at 300 m. While turning on the approach course, the DC-3 impacted a wooded hillside 14.5 km from the threshold of runway and 1500 meters to the right of the center line. A fire erupted. The cause was apparently blocked pitot tubes due to rain or frost. The pitot heater switch was found in the off position. This caused incorrect altimeter readings, leading the crew to descend to 70 m above airfield elevation at a point were the altitude should have been 600 m.
Source of Information
https://web.archive.org/web/20210201173013/http://svici.sweb.cz/havarie.htmhttps://web.archive.org/web/20210201173013/http://svici.sweb.cz/havarie.htmPrimary Cause
Blocked pitot tubes due to rain or frost.Blocked pitot tubes due to rain or frost.Share on: