Synopsis
On 26 June 2019, at approximately 9:00 LMT, a Socata TB 10 Tobago, registration G-SBKR, departed from runway 14 at EPWS Szymanów for a local flight. While climbing in the left-hand circuit after the first turn, the pilot detected an intense smell of smoke in the cockpit. About eight seconds later, at an altitude of around 800 ft, the engine stopped abruptly. The pilot assessed that a return to the aerodrome was not possible and opted to land in an unprepared field. The aircraft touched down approximately 500 m from the northeastern boundary of the airfield. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft was subsequently transported back to the aerodrome.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a 1990 Socata TB 10 Tobago, serial number 1077, powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine (serial L32418-36A) rated at 180 hp. The airframe had accumulated 4033 hours total time, with 34 hours since the last periodic maintenance (performed on 5 June 2019). The aircraft was operated by Profit Invest Sp. z o. o. and held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness until 5 June 2020. The pilot held a CPL(A) license with SEP(L), MEP(L), and IR ratings, and had a total flight experience of 510 hours, including 73 hours on type. Fuel (AVGAS 100LL) and oil quantities were within limits, and the takeoff mass did not exceed the maximum permissible.
Weather and Aerodrome
Weather at the time was reported by METAR EPWR 260700Z: wind 200° at 9 knots, varying between 170° and 230°, visibility 10 km or more, temperature 29°C, dew point 19°C. The aerodrome Szymanów (EPWS) is a grass airfield located near Wrocław, with runways 14/32 (700 m, lit) and 11/29 (560 m, unlit). Elevation 407 ft.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot reported no injuries. No structural damage to the airframe was detected; however, a fire in the engine compartment caused damage to flexible air hoses and some electrical wiring.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined that the engine failure resulted from the disconnection of the exhaust pipe from cylinder No. 4 at its junction with the muffler. This caused a loss of engine power. The commission did not issue any safety recommendations.