What happened
On April 1, 2016, at approximately 16:54, a Tecnam P2002-JF, registration SP-RWZ, departed from Warsaw-Babice airport for a training flight. The crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a student pilot, intended to perform stall and minimum speed maneuvers (10A/10B). To avoid restricted airspace, the instructor flew outside the Warsaw TMA without a filed flight plan.
During the execution of the training maneuvers north of Pułtusk, the aircraft entered an unintentional spin. Radar data indicated a rapid and significant loss of altitude starting at approximately 750 m AGL. The aircraft continued to move at a constant altitude for a brief period before radar contact was lost at the 48th minute of the flight. The aircraft crashed near Chmielewo, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the aircraft's technical condition, the crew's training and experience, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. The investigation reviewed the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) versions on board and analyzed the aerodynamic shadowing effect on the rudder during a spin. The investigation also considered the physical disparity between the two crew members and the instructor's practical experience level.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an unintentional entry into a spin during stall recovery training, which led to a loss of control.
- The aircraft's tail configuration causes aerodynamic shadowing of the rudder by approximately 60-65% during a spin, making recovery difficult for inexperienced pilots.
- The instructor had limited practical experience.
- There was a significant disparity in physical strength between the heavily built student pilot and the instructor, which may have led to momentary opposing control inputs during the critical situation.
- The AFM version on board was outdated regarding spin recovery procedures.
- The newer AFM version contained an error, stating that a recovery requires approximately 500 ft of altitude, whereas certified testing proved a loss of at least 654 ft is possible.
- The aircraft was properly maintained, and the engine was functioning normally until impact.