What happened
On September 28, 2019, a student pilot was performing ground technical activities with a motor glider at an airfield near Słonawy/Oborniki. After starting the engine, the pilot intended to taxi the aircraft to a hangar. During this process, the pilot was requested by passengers to transport a child across the landing strip. While the pilot was performing a turn, a sudden weather change occurred, characterized by a powerful wind gust. This gust caused the aircraft to overturn onto its right wing.
The investigation
The investigation established that the incident took place during a public event (a picnic) where various flying equipment was being demonstrated on the ground. The aircraft involved was part of a display owned by paragliding pilots. At the time of the occurrence, the student pilot was operating the aircraft without the supervision of an instructor. Furthermore, the activities being performed were not related to flight training or any intended flight operations.
Due to the fact that the maneuvers were not part of flight training and did not involve an intention to fly, the PKBWL declined to conduct a formal aviation accident investigation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aircraft overturning was a sudden wind gust associated with an approaching storm front.
- The student pilot was operating the aircraft without instructor supervision.
- The incident resulted in one injury (a broken leg and arm injury to the pilot) and no injuries to the passenger.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the forward section and the wing covering.