Incident
On June 16, 2019, at approximately 20:00 local time, a VL-3 ultralight aircraft (registration SP-SWAT) experienced a hard landing at the Konstancin Obory airstrip in Poland. The aircraft was being operated by a private pilot on a circuit flight. The pilot had previously completed two landings on runway 30 without incident.
Sequence of Events
During the approach for the third landing, while at flare height, a sudden gust of wind occurred. The pilot was unable to maintain control, resulting in two bounces on the runway followed by a hard landing. The pilot exited the aircraft unaided and reported no injuries.
Damage
The hard landing caused damage to the nose landing gear, propeller, and lower engine cowling. Photographs from the owner show the aircraft after the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a VL-3 ultralight, privately owned and operated. The pilot, a 51-year-old male, held a valid medical certificate (valid until October 20, 2019) and a qualification for ultralight aircraft. His total flight experience was approximately 64 hours, with about 14 hours and 30 minutes on the VL-3 type.
Conditions
The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions during daytime. Wind gusts were reported up to 3–4 m/s.
Probable Cause
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation determined the causes to be: 1) improper reaction of the pilot to a wind gust; 2) incorrect correction of errors during landing (kangaroo). A contributing factor was the pilot's limited experience on that aircraft type. No safety recommendations were issued.