What happened
On September 1, 2018, an RWD-5R aircraft, registration SP-LOT, was preparing for a flight from Aleksandrowice (EPBA) to Łososinia-Dolna. The aircraft had arrived at the airfield earlier that day for a flight demonstration, but heavy rainfall had prevented participation in the scheduled airshow. Following refueling with 82 liters of fuel, the pilot began the takeoff roll on runway 09 at 18:4-LMT.
Due to recent heavy rains, the grass runway surface was soft and waterlogged. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft bounced several times and briefly lifted off at the midpoint of the runway, only to land again at approximately the three-quarter mark. The pilot did not abort the takeoff and continued the flight at a very low altitude of approximately 2 meters.
As the aircraft crossed the airfield perimeter fence, the right wheel struck an information board, followed by the right landing gear strut striking a road sign. These impacts caused a loss of airspeed and a change in direction. The aircraft then entered a right-hand turn, striking metal posts with its right wing and rear wheel before finally coming to rest in a thicket approximately 70 meters beyond the airfield fence. The pilot and passenger sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's weight and balance, the runway conditions, and the pilot's decision-making process. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification, and that the aircraft was airworthy and properly documented. The investigators analyzed the takeoff performance requirements for the RWD-5R on grass surfaces and compared the actual takeoff weight against the limits specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH).
Findings
- The aircraft's takeoff weight was approximately 53 kg over the maximum allowable limit of 750 kg.
- The pilot failed to perform the necessary weight and balance calculations prior to takeoff.
- Based on the crew and baggage weight, the maximum allowable fuel load should have been 48 liters, yet the aircraft was carrying significantly more.
- The soft, waterlogged runway surface increased rolling resistance, contributing to the extended takeoff roll.
- The pilot failed to make the decision to abort the takeoff after the initial bounces and subsequent landing on the runway.
- The pilot did not account for the increased takeoff distance required due to the wet surface conditions.