What happened
On July 11, 2018, a Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration SP-MAP, departed from a private landing site near Koszęcin for a flight to Ziębice. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot holding a LAPL(H) license, accompanied by two passengers.
During the flight, the pilot maintained radio contact with FIS Kraków and later FIS Poznań, requesting to transit the Polska Nowa Wieś aerodrome traffic zone. However, as the aircraft progressed toward its destination, it encountered an atmospheric front causing deteriorating weather conditions. At approximately 09:36 LMT, the helicopter struck the ground in an agricultural field in Domecko. The impact resulted in two fatalities—the pilot and the front-seat passenger—while the rear passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's training records, and the meteorological environment. Investigators found that the Robinson R-44 was airworthy, with all maintenance up to date and no evidence of mechanical failure or engine malfunction. The fuel samples showed no contamination, and the control systems remained intact until the moment of impact.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot held all necessary licenses and medical certificates, they had only been flying under the LAPL(H) license for approximately one year, with a total flight time of roughly 175 hours. Meteorological analysis confirmed that the area was experiencing heavy mist and low cloud ceilings, with cloud bases dropping as low as 90–120 feet.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the entry of the helicopter into an area of deteriorating weather.
- An improper maneuver performed by the pilot, intended to exit the difficult weather conditions, contributed to the crash.
- The pilot's limited overall flight experience and lack of proficiency in instrument flight and difficult weather conditions were significant contributing factors.
- An inadequate analysis of the weather forecast for the flight route was also identified as a contributing factor.
- The presence of power lines near the crash site may have prompted a sudden increase in altitude, potentially causing the pilot to lose spatial orientation by entering the cloud layer.