What happened
On August 30, 2017, at approximately 17:58 LMT, a student pilot initiated a solo training flight from Warsaw-Babice (EPBC) using a winch launch method. The aircraft, an SZD-50-3 Puchacz with registration SP-3782, was performing its second solo flight of the day.
During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 150 meters, the winch cable release fuse failed. While the pilot managed the immediate loss of tension, the end of the cable and rubber bungee remained attached to the glider. Following instructions from the flight manager to manually release the cable, the pilot began a left-hand turn with only a slight bank. Due to low airspeed, the aircraft pitched nose-down and entered a left-hand spin. The glider completed approximately 1.5 steep spins before impacting a perimeter fence near the aerodrome hangars. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight history, the mechanical state of the SZD-50-3 Puchacz, and the pilot's training records. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the failure of the cable release fuse and the pilot's subsequent maneuvers. Investigators also reviewed the aeroclub's emergency procedures and the pilot's recent flight experience, noting a significant break in flight activity prior to the accident.
Findings
- The pilot made a delayed decision regarding the appropriate emergency landing pattern.
- The left-hand turn was initiated at a speed near the aircraft's stall speed.
- The pilot failed to react effectively to the onset of the stall during the turn, which directly led to the development of the spin.
- The pilot was experiencing high levels of stress due to the sudden emergency situation caused by the cable fuse failure.
- A lack of recent flight experience contributed to the difficulty in managing the emergency.