What happened
On June 14, 2018, at approximately 18:20 LMT, an ultralight 3Xtrim aircraft, registration SP-SYPT, was performing a training flight at Katowice Muchowie and was involved in an accident during the takeoff phase. The pilot had previously refueled the aircraft using a borrowed canister without verifying its cleanliness. Although the pilot noticed the fuel appeared cloudy during refueling, the aircraft was not drained of contaminants prior to flight.
The takeoff roll began from the middle of the runway rather than the beginning. During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 5 meters, the engine began to run unevenly. At an altitude of roughly 10 meters, the pilot initiated a flat right turn, attempting to avoid the end of the runway. During a subsequent left turn, the aircraft entered an autorotation. The aircraft's propeller and landing gear struck a metal security fence, causing the aircraft to come to a halt approximately 20 meters beyond the fence. The impact triggered a fire that completely destroyed the aircraft.
The pilot escaped without injury, while the passenger sustained light facial burns.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the engine's performance and the refueling process. Investigators examined the remains of the fuel canister and the aircraft's carburetor. Analysis of the fuel residue in the canister revealed the presence of water, and water was also discovered within the carburetor's float chamber.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine malfunction was the use of contaminated fuel containing water.
- The pilot failed to follow proper refueling procedures by using an unverified container.
- The pre-flight inspection was incomplete, as the pilot did not drain the fuel sumps to check for contaminants.
- The takeoff was initiated from the middle of the runway, reducing available distance.
- The pilot's decision-making during the emergency power loss was inappropriate for the situation.