What happened
On 15 June 2019, during the VII Płock Aviation Picnic, a Yakovlev Yak-52 with registration SP-YDD crashed into the Vistula River near Płock, Poland. The pilot, performing a solo aerobatic display, initiated a deliberate right spin over the river. After approximately 12.25 turns, the aircraft failed to recover from the maneuver. The aircraft transitioned into a left spin and struck the water surface at an altitude of approximately 120 meters. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight sequence using recovered GoPro footage from the aircraft's windshield. The investigation reviewed the pilot's recent flight history, medical status, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators also analyzed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed the plane was technically fit and properly maintained. The investigation also looked into the pilot's physiological state, noting reports of fatigue and the impact of high ambient temperatures.