What happened
On March 30, 2014, at approximately 18:50 LMT, a SWING 582/iXess 15 motor glider, registration SP-MHST, was conducting a visual flight for transport purposes. The flight originated from a landing area near Gniezna, with the intention of flying to Czerlejno. Weather conditions were favorable, with good visibility and a light northern wind of 1 m/s.
As the pilot approached a field located at a road junction in Czerlejno for landing, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 20 meters. During the final approach, the pilot experienced wing buffeting and decided to execute a go-around to avoid a hard landing. In an attempt to climb, the pilot increased engine power too abruptly, which led to a loss of airspeed. Consequently, the wing stalled after passing a line of trees. The aircraft entered an autorotation phase and collided with farm buildings, resulting in serious injuries to both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the selection of the landing site and the pilot's maneuvers during the final approach. The investigation established that the chosen landing area was insufficient in size and obstructed by trees at the end of the field, which prevented a safe landing or a successful go-around.
Technical inspections of the SWING 582/iXess 15 were found to be valid, and the pilot held the necessary qualifications. However, the investigation noted that the aircraft's insurance coverage had expired.
Findings
- The pilot selected an inappropriate landing site that did not provide enough distance from obstacles.
- The decision to initiate a go-around was made too late.
- The pilot caused a wing stall at a low altitude during the attempt to climb.
- The landing area lacked the necessary clearance; based on the height of the trees (approximately 7 meters), the landing zone should have been at least 140 meters from the obstacles, yet the pilot planned the touchdown only 70 meters from them.