What happened
On October 14, 2019, at approximately 16:30 LMT, an AE 209 Albatros ultralight aircraft took off from a private, unrecorded landing strip in Przedecz, Poland. The aircraft, which bore no registration marks, was operated by its owner, a 63-year-old pilot. After a flight of approximately 30 minutes through the regions of Przedecz and Katarzyna, the pilot attempted to return to the departure area, likely intending to land on runway 02.
While flying north near the town of Katarzyna, the pilot executed a left-hand turn with a wind component at an altitude of roughly 30 meters. During this maneuver, the aircraft's speed decreased, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft rolled onto its left wing and impacted the ground. The impact resulted in the fatal death of the pilot at the scene and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's medical history, and the flight environment. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, finding no documentation of continuous airworthiness. The aircraft had undergone recent unrecorded modifications to the braking system and was equipped with an uncertified engine and non-original propeller.
The investigation also evaluated the landing site, noting it was a private field that did not meet official technical guidelines and was obstructed by power lines. Regarding the pilot, investigators reviewed medical records and autopsy results to determine if sudden incapacitation played a role in the loss of control.