Summary
On 26 July 2017, a Cessna 152, registration SP-AKV, operated by Aeroklub Łódzki, was involved in an accident at Łódź Lublinek Airport (EPLL). The pilot, a 38-year-old male holding a PPL(A) license, was performing training circuits. During the third approach, he aborted the landing, turned left, descended, and collided with trees and then the ground. A post-crash fire ensued. The pilot evacuated the aircraft with serious injuries and burns covering approximately 30% of his body. The aircraft was destroyed. The investigation by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) did not determine the cause of the accident.
Factual Information
History of Flight
The pilot arrived at the Aeroklub Łódzki premises on 26 July 2017 to conduct training flights. Initially intending to fly a DA-20, which was unavailable due to maintenance, he was offered the Cessna 152, for which he held a valid SEP(L) rating valid until 30 July 2019. He planned several circuit flights with touch-and-go landings on Runway 25. After filing a flight plan and performing a pre-flight inspection, he started the engine, received clearance, and departed at 16:05 LMT. The first two circuits were completed normally with touch-and-go landings at 16:15 and 16:25.
During the third circuit, while on final approach, the pilot observed the aircraft deviating left of the runway centerline with a left bank. He decided to abort the landing and execute a go-around. He turned left approximately 90°, then after a slight climb to avoid a fuel station, turned another 90° to a heading opposite the landing direction. On this heading, the aircraft descended toward buildings and trees outside the airport perimeter. Seconds later, the aircraft struck trees and impacted the ground on a private property approximately 3–4 meters from buildings. The aircraft caught fire about 20 seconds after impact.
Injuries
The pilot sustained serious injuries and burns covering approximately 30% of his body surface area. He exited the aircraft unassisted and moved to a safe distance. Nearby residents attempted to extinguish the fire with portable extinguishers but were unsuccessful due to the fire's intensity.
Aircraft Damage
The Cessna 152 was completely destroyed by impact and subsequent fire.
Fire
The post-crash fire was extinguished by three airport fire service units, who then secured the accident site.
Investigation
The PKBWL investigated the accident. The investigation team consisted of Ryszard Rutkowski (initially leading, later replaced due to illness), Zbigniew Drozdowski, and Krzysztof Miłkowski. The PKBWL did not determine the cause of the accident and issued no safety recommendations.