What happened
On September 8, 2018, at approximately 10:30 LMT, a pilot prepared to ferry a ZEN-1 RST gyrocopter from Nowy Targ (EPNT) to Zábřeh (LKZA) in the Czech Republic for technical maintenance. The pilot, who held valid medical and flight qualifications, completed a successful pre-flight inspection and engine test.
Shortly after departing at 11:00 LMT with one passenger on board, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather near Lake Żywiec, characterized by rain, low cloud ceilings, and fog. The pilot continued the flight into conditions below Visual Flight Rules (VFR) minimums. After attempting a 180-degree turn to return to better weather, the pilot found conditions had not improved and began a spiral descent to perform an emergency landing in a clearing near Wilkowice.
During the approach to the forest clearing, the pilot noticed tall trees and pulled back on the control stick to reduce airspeed. This maneuver caused the rotor to strike the trees, leading the aircraft to crash into bushes at the edge of the clearing. The impact caused the main rotor to separate from the airframe. The pilot successfully shut off the ignition and fuel, then exited the cabin to assist the passenger. The passenger sustained serious injuries, while the pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the pilot failed to conduct a thorough analysis of the weather forecast along the planned route during pre-flight preparations. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the aircraft, registered as OK-TWD 01, was operating with an expired Certificate of Airworthiness (Technický Průkaz), which had lapsed on November 6, 2017.
Findings
- The pilot violated VFR regulations by flying into an area of IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) while operating under VFR.
- The pilot failed to analyze the weather forecast for the intended route prior to departure.
- The aircraft was operating without a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
- The impact with trees during the emergency landing caused the separation of the main rotor from the structure.