Introduction
On 24 June 2017, a Cessna 152 II aircraft, registration SP-KIO, was involved in an accident near Lubień, approximately 30 km south of Kraków, Poland. The aircraft was operated by Aeroklub Poznański and was participating in the "55th Flight of South-Western Poland" competition. The single pilot, a 39-year-old male with a valid PPL(A) license and 181 total flight hours, was the sole occupant and was uninjured.
History of the Flight
The pilot completed a pre-flight inspection at approximately 09:00 LMT on the day of the accident, replenishing engine oil to 5.3 liters and fuel to 91 liters. He departed from Kraków-Pobiednik airfield (EPKP) at 10:35 LMT for the competition leg. About 50 minutes into the flight, the pilot noted abnormal engine operation, including knocking sounds and a rapid rise in oil temperature. He decided to abort the task and select a field for a potential forced landing. Shortly thereafter, the engine noise intensified, followed by a loud bang and sudden stoppage of the propeller in a horizontal position. The pilot glided the aircraft toward a chosen landing area, switching off the magnetos and all electrical equipment and closing the fuel valve before touchdown. During the landing, the left wingtip struck a tree approximately 2 m high, then the aircraft touched down on all three wheels. The nose landing gear collapsed, the aircraft bounced, and the right wing contacted the ground, causing a 180-degree ground loop. After stopping, the pilot unbuckled and exited the aircraft unaided.
Injuries
The pilot sustained no injuries. No other persons were involved.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was seriously damaged. Damage included: collapsed nose landing gear with torn control system, damaged main landing gear, significant damage to the engine mount, fuselage structure bent aft of the cabin, disrupted riveting near the bend, both wing tips damaged (left from tree strike, right from ground contact), slight deformation of the left aileron, destroyed lower engine cowling, bent cylinder deflectors and exhaust pipe ends, and a damaged spinner. The engine itself sustained internal damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 39, held a PPL(A) license issued in May 2009, valid until 31 August 2018, with SEP(L) and VFR Night ratings valid until 5 June 2019. His medical certificate (Class 1/2/LAPL) had no restrictions. Total flight experience was 181 hours.
Aircraft Information
The Cessna 152 II (serial number 15285077, manufactured in 1981) was a single-engine, high-wing monoplane with all-metal construction. It was powered by a Lycoming O-235-12C four-cylinder, four-stroke carbureted engine driving a fixed-pitch two-blade Sensenich metal propeller. The aircraft had a total fuel capacity of 94 liters in wing tanks and cable/pushrod flight controls. The registered operator and owner was Aeroklub Poznański. The aircraft was insured until 2 July 2017.
Probable Cause
The State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined that the accident was caused by a crankshaft fracture of the engine.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued.