Accident Overview
On 11 July 2018, at approximately 09:08 local time, a Robinson R-44 helicopter registered as SP-MAP departed from a private landing site near Koszęcin, Poland, for a flight to Ziębice. The aircraft was owned and piloted by its operator, who held a LAPL(H) license. Two passengers were on board.
Flight History
The pilot contacted FIS Kraków after departure, reporting the planned route, departure time, and estimated flight time. At 09:25, the helicopter reached the boundary between FIS Kraków and FIS Poznań, approximately 25 km before Opole. The pilot then contacted FIS Poznań, providing a position report and stating an intention to transit through the ATZ of Polska Nowa Wieś airport on frequency 122.200 MHz. The pilot did not report altitude, and FIS Poznań did not request it; radar contact was not established. Shortly after switching to the Polska Nowa Wieś frequency, the pilot ceased responding to FIS Poznań.
At 09:36, near the village of Domecko, the helicopter collided with terrain in a cultivated field.
Injuries and Damage
As a result of the accident, the pilot and the front-seat passenger sustained fatal injuries. The rear-seat passenger was seriously injured. The helicopter was completely destroyed.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a LAPL(H) license and was the owner of the aircraft. The report noted limited overall flight experience and limited experience in instrument and adverse weather flying.
Weather
Meteorological conditions were investigated as part of the inquiry. The report indicated that the helicopter encountered deteriorating weather conditions.
Probable Cause
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (SCAAI) determined that the accident resulted from the helicopter entering an area of deteriorating weather and the pilot performing an improper maneuver in an attempt to exit the adverse weather conditions.