Accident Overview
On 17 November 2018, at approximately 11:38 local time, a privately operated Mirage G-3 ultralight aircraft (registration SP-SZUK) crashed during the climb phase after takeoff from a designated landing area in Skawa near Rabka, Poland. The pilot, a 73-year-old male with extensive flying experience, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. The aircraft, equipped with a Rotax 912 UL 2 engine and a Peszke AS 1700/1950 propeller, was substantially damaged.
Narrative
The pilot arrived at the landing site to perform a recreational flight. After conducting a pre-flight checklist and an engine run-up (which was satisfactory), he taxied to the runway threshold and applied maximum engine power (5100 rpm). The aircraft lifted off after a short takeoff roll and began climbing. During a left turn to depart, the pilot noticed a change in engine sound and a drop in rpm to approximately 3200. The aircraft began to descend. Facing tall trees ahead, the pilot selected a field to the right for an emergency landing. At about 30 meters above ground, he executed a sharp right turn with a slip. At approximately 5 meters, he turned left to align with the field. The landing was downhill, and during the flare, the aircraft lost airspeed, stalled, dropped onto its right wing, and struck the ground.
After the impact, the pilot egressed unaided and, together with a witness, extinguished a small fire in the engine electrical system using a fire extinguisher. Emergency services arrived within minutes.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed:
- The engine and propeller system was functional.
- Spark plugs from cylinders 1 and 3 showed normal combustion; those from cylinders 2 and 4 indicated a rich fuel-air mixture with carbon deposits.
- Carburetors contained clean fuel; the left carburetor had floats with a noticeable difference in buoyancy. The mass of the two floats was 7.5 grams, exceeding the permissible limit of 7 grams.
- Fuel was present in the engine fuel system.
Weather conditions were clear skies with light wind (2–3 m/s) and did not contribute to the accident.
The pilot held valid licenses and a medical certificate, and was not under the influence of alcohol. The aircraft had the required documentation and was airworthy. No in-flight separation of parts occurred.
The investigation determined that the improper float mass may have affected engine performance.
Probable Cause
The accident resulted from: 1. A drop in engine rpm shortly after takeoff during climb. 2. A stall after lining up for landing in unprepared terrain.
A contributing circumstance was the mountainous location, which limited available emergency landing areas.
Safety Actions
No safety recommendations were issued. The investigation noted a manufacturer warning for this engine type: "Never fly an aircraft equipped with this engine over terrain, speeds, altitudes, or other circumstances that preclude a power-off landing after a sudden engine stoppage."