What happened
On June 23, 2005, a Cessna 150M, registration SP-KIL, was performing a test flight at Radom-Piastów airport. The flight was intended to verify the aircraft's airworthiness following a power unit replacement performed by a maintenance company. The pilot was accompanied by a passenger, who was also the aircraft owner.
Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 15–20 meters, the engine suffered a sudden and complete failure. The pilot attempted an emergency landing straight ahead, executing a shallow maneuver to avoid a tree near the western edge of the airfield. Although the pilot managed to extend the flaps to the landing position, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 115 meters before a road in the village of Piastów. The impact was violent, causing the nose gear to collapse and the aircraft to flip onto its back (nose-over). The pilot escaped without injury, but the passenger sustained a head laceration and a cervical spine injury.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the sudden loss of engine power and the mechanical state of the powerplant. Investigators examined the engine components, the fuel quality, and the maintenance records. The investigation revealed that the engine had recently undergone significant work, including the installation of a new power unit.
Technical analysis of the carburetor and air intake system was conducted. While the fuel was found to have some impurities, it was determined that the fuel quality was not the primary cause of the engine failure. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the aircraft was slightly over its maximum takeoff weight.