Occurrence Details
On 21 July 2017, at 07:49 local time, an ultralight Pelegrin Tarragon aircraft registered YL-RCT crashed south of Mielec Aerodrome (EPML), Poland. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The pilot and passenger were killed at the scene.
The flight was a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country from Mielec to Kaniów aerodrome (EPKW). Weather conditions included scattered clouds at 200 m, light wind from 315° at 1.74 m/s, and good horizontal visibility.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Pelegrin Tarragon is a carbon-epoxy composite ultralight with a 135 HP EPA Power engine. Its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 472.5 kg. The pilot, aged 42, held an ultralight pilot certificate (UACP) with ratings for the Tarragon and three other types. His total flight time was 400 hours on ultralight aircraft. His Class 2 medical assessment had expired on 20 May 2019.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and passenger arrived at Mielec in the morning. After pre-flight checks, the pilot contacted the AFIS officer at 07:36 and requested engine start. He taxied to Runway 27 and reported ready for takeoff at 07:44. After clearance, he began the takeoff roll at 07:48. The aircraft lifted off and climbed steeply at 30–40°, typical for this type. At approximately 200 m above ground level (AGL), the aircraft levelled and entered a cloud. Inside the cloud, it likely stalled during a left turn and entered a left spin. At about 30 m AGL, the pilot activated the ballistic recovery system (BRS) parachute. The parachute deployed but was not attached to the airframe, providing no deceleration. The aircraft impacted the ground at an angle of about 70° and caught fire about 16 seconds later.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the takeoff weight was 500 kg, exceeding the MTOW by 27.5 kg. The center of gravity remained within limits.
The day before the accident, heavy rain fell over the area. Test pilots who examined the aircraft the previous evening noted water flowing from the elevator when they moved the control surfaces. Investigation revealed that water could enter the elevator through hinge mounting holes and remain trapped because there were no drainage holes at the elevator tips. The horizontal stabilizer's negative angle facilitated water retention.
The aircraft's engine was operating until impact, based on propeller damage and witness statements.
Weather was considered to have an impact: the pilot entered a cloud while flying VFR. Although the cloud was not thick enough to obscure the aircraft from the ground, the pilot likely experienced reduced visibility and loss of spatial orientation.
According to an instructor pilot with approximately 300 hours on the Tarragon, the aircraft can easily enter stall and autorotation, especially in turns at low speed. During stall recovery with high engine RPM, the aircraft may not stop autorotation.
The aircraft was insured and had valid documents. The pilot's flight documentation and aircraft technical records were destroyed by fire.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.