What happened
On May 1, 2018, a 59-year-old pilot was operating a VL3 E-1 ultralight aircraft, registration SP-SATM, on a flight from Nadolna to Kołlbiiel-Skorupy. The flight was conducted under VFR daytime conditions. After maintaining an altitude of approximately 1,700 ft, the pilot descended to 700 ft and reduced speed to prepare for landing.
As the aircraft approached the airfield, the pilot performed a series of turns. After crossing the runway axis, the pilot executed a right-hand turn to align with runway 36. During this maneuver, the aircraft was in a landing configuration with the landing gear and flaps extended. While executing the turn at a low altitude, the aircraft entered a right-hand spin, completing approximately 1 to 1.5 rotations. The aircraft subsequently struck tall trees approximately 800 meters from the runway and impacted the ground. A post-impact fire broke out due to the rupture of the wing fuel tanks. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's training history, and radar data. Investigators reviewed engine performance, flap angles, and maintenance logs. The investigation also reviewed surveillance footage and witness accounts of the aircraft's flight path. The investigation confirmed that the engine was functioning correctly and that all required maintenance had been performed according to instructions. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's parachute recovery system could not be deployed due to the low altitude and the high dynamics of the event.