What happened
On August 27, 2015, at approximately 08:29 LMT, a training flight was underway at the Kruszyn airfield (EPWK). Following a pre-flight briefing covering meteorological conditions and emergency procedures, student pilots began performing solo flights using a winch launch method.
During the final phase of the takeoff roll, the student pilot lost lateral balance, causing the left wingtip of the KR-02A Puchatek to strike the airfield surface. This impact caused a directional deviation of approximately 15 degrees. In an attempt to level the wings, the pilot failed to release the winch cable promptly. This maneuver resulted in the right wingtip also striking the ground. The pilot eventually released the cable, at which point the winch operator ceased the pull.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the aircraft user's commission, examined the flight sequence, the pilot's training records, and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot held a valid SPL license and had completed the necessary training tasks. At the time of the incident, the pilot had a total flight time of 5 hours and 20 minutes, including recent experience in the KR-02A Puchatek. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions, which were determined to have had no impact on the occurrence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect reaction of the student pilot to the aircraft's lateral instability during the winch launch.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the roll led to the subsequent strike of the right wingtip.
- The release of the winch cable was performed too late.
- The incident resulted in structural damage, specifically to both wingtips and the breakage of the bracket under the right wing.
Safety action
Following the incident, the aircraft operator implemented the following measures:
- The occurrence was reviewed and discussed with all student pilots.
- Instructors, pilots, and students were sensitized to the potential for emergency and hazardous situations during winch and aero-tow operations.