Accident Details
On 27 April 2019 at approximately 13:00 local time, a Robinson R44 helicopter (registration D-HALL) was involved in an accident in Łopacin, gmina Sońsk near Ciechanów, Poland. The helicopter had been purchased by its owner in March 2019 in Szczecinek and was ferried to Łopacin by a hired pilot. At the time of the accident, the aircraft bore German registration marks.
Pilot and Operation
The pilot, who was also the owner, held a license for ultralight airplanes but was not qualified to fly the Robinson R44. According to his statement, he intended only to start the engine. After starting, for reasons unknown to him, the governor engaged, causing the helicopter to lift to a low altitude, hover briefly, and then fall onto its left side.
Aftermath
The engine shut down automatically. No fire occurred. The pilot was the sole occupant and exited the cockpit without injury. He did not notify any authorities about the accident and moved the damaged helicopter to a barn. The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) received an anonymous report about the incident.
Investigation Outcome
The PKBWL determined that the aircraft was operated by an unauthorized person and not in accordance with applicable regulations. Consequently, the Commission discontinued the investigation. No probable cause for the unintended lift-off was established, as the investigation was halted due to the unauthorized operation.