Summary
On October 20, 2019, at approximately 16:03 local time, an ultralight Texan Club aircraft, registered SP-SDAN, executed a landing on a cultivated field adjacent to the intended airstrip in Natolin near Krzepice, Poland. The pilot and a passenger were on board and sustained no injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Event Description
The flight originated from Piotrków Trybunalski Airport (EPPT) with an intermediate stop at Konopiska airstrip. After a brief stop, the pilot departed for the final leg to Natolin. Around 16:00, the pilot circled the Natolin airstrip three times to assess traffic and wind direction. Deciding to land on runway 31, the pilot initiated a right-hand circuit and performed the second turn for final approach. The approach was conducted with the sun directly ahead, which reduced visibility and led to a poorly planned descent. The pilot misjudged the touchdown point and landed on a green crop field instead of the airstrip.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation determined the cause of the accident to be improper planning of the approach, resulting in the aircraft landing in a field next to the airstrip. A contributing factor was the approach into the sun, which limited the pilot's visibility of the runway.
Aftermath
Upon landing on the soft field, the aircraft's nose landing gear collapsed, engine cowlings were damaged, and propeller blades broke. Both occupants, who had their seatbelts properly fastened, exited the aircraft unaided without injury. The aircraft was significantly damaged. The pilot held valid licenses and medical certification; the aircraft was airworthy and insured. Weather conditions were suitable for VFR flight and did not contribute to the accident.