Ultralight Aircraft Collision with Perimeter Fence in Żabia Wola

Casualties unknown • Żabia Wola, PL

A TL 2000 Sting ultralight aircraft struck an airport perimeter fence during taxiing operations in Żabia Wola due to loss of control.

What happened

On May 31, 2017, a pilot prepared a TL 2000 Sting for flight at an airfield in Żabia Wola. After starting the engine and completing necessary system checks, the pilot began taxiing toward runway 29. During the taxiing process, the pilot adjusted the flaps from the full position to the takeoff position. In an attempt to utilize as much of the runway as possible, the pilot taxied the aircraft close to the airfield's perimeter fence.

As the pilot increased engine power while simultaneously retracting the flaps, a combination of engine thrust and a crosswind gust caused a momentary loss of directional control. This resulted in the aircraft colliding with the fence near the threshold of runway 29. The pilot immediately shut down the engine and exited the cockpit; no injuries were reported.

The investigation

The investigation examined the sequence of maneuvers performed during the taxi phase, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's configuration changes. The inquiry focused on the interaction between the aircraft's control surfaces, the engine power application, and the proximity to the airfield boundary.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by taxiing in close proximity to the airfield fence, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of divided attention while managing flaps and engine power during a crosswind gust.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-05-31 TL 2000 Sting accident near Żabia Wola, PL?

A TL 2000 Sting ultralight aircraft struck an airport perimeter fence during taxiing operations in Żabia Wola due to loss of control.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-05-31 involved a TL 2000 Sting, registration SP-SKNK, at Żabia Wola, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by taxiing in close proximity to the airfield fence, exacerbated by the pilot's lack of divided attention while managing flaps and engine power during a crosswind gust.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2017-1099/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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