Introduction
On 25 May 2019, at approximately 08:50 local time, an ultralight aircraft TL-96 STAR, registration SP-SCLK, operated by Aeroklub Poznański, was involved in an accident at Kobylnica airfield (EPPK). The pilot, a 64-year-old male professional pilot with a CPL(A) license and a SEP(L) rating valid until 31 May 2020, held a valid medical certificate. His total flight time was about 1200 hours, with 46 flights (54 hours 40 minutes) in the preceding 12 months.
Flight Preparations
The pilot planned to ferry the aircraft to Kąkolewo (EPPG) for an air show celebrating the 100th anniversary of Aeroklub Poznański. Upon arriving at Kobylnica at 07:54, he conducted a pre-flight inspection and filed a flight plan. In the cockpit, he placed a backpack measuring 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm and weighing approximately 5 kg on the right seat, securing it with seat belts. According to the investigation, the pilot also secured the right control stick with the same belts.
Accident Sequence
The pilot started the engine, performed radio checks, and taxied to the holding point for runway 25. After an engine run-up, he reported ready for departure and entered the runway. He likely omitted the full control range check during the pre-takeoff checklist. The takeoff roll initially appeared normal: at about 50 km/h, the pilot raised the nose wheel, and at around 80 km/h, the aircraft lifted off. However, the pilot then found he could not push the control stick forward to reduce the climb angle. Despite applying full forward stick and adjusting the trim fully nose-down, the climb angle did not decrease. The airspeed dropped, and at approximately 30 meters above ground, the speed fell below the minimum. The aircraft began to bank left; the pilot applied right rudder, causing a slow right bank and a stall, resulting in a flat impact with the ground. The right wing struck first, and the aircraft rotated about 200 degrees before stopping on the left side of the runway. The pilot exited the cockpit unaided. The aircraft sustained serious damage.
Cause
The investigation determined the cause of the accident was: blockage of the control system – the right control stick was fastened by the seat belt.
A contributing circumstance was the incomplete execution of the pre-flight checklist.
No safety recommendations were issued.