Event Details
On 30 November 2019, an ultralight aircraft Skyleader 600 was involved in an incident at the Niegowoniczki landing site. The aircraft was privately operated, and the pilot held an ultralight airplane pilot license.
Sequence of Events
The pilot arrived at the landing site with the intention of flying to Rybnik. After hangaring the aircraft, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection and checked the weather forecast. The forecast indicated wind from 300° at 10-15 knots, with local gusts up to 25 knots. The pilot assessed the weather as suitable for the flight.
After starting and warming up the engine, the pilot taxied to the threshold of runway 20. Upon lining up, the pilot checked the magnetos, extended the flaps, and applied full throttle. The aircraft began to roll and sharply veered left. Due to a sudden gust of wind from the right, the aircraft banked left and pitched nose-down. The pilot applied the right brake pedal, but the left wingtip struck the grass runway surface, and the propeller also made contact. The pilot reduced throttle to idle and shut down the engine.
Damage
The propeller blades were damaged at their tips. The grass runway showed marks from the propeller contact.
Post-Incident Actions
The pilot notified the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) by phone. After transporting the aircraft to the hangar, the pilot went to the police station for a breath alcohol test, which returned a result of 0.00 mg/l.
Causes
The investigation identified two causes: 1. Wrong decision of the pilot to commence takeoff in unfavorable atmospheric conditions. 2. Delayed reaction of the pilot to loss of directional control during the initial takeoff roll.
No preventive actions or safety recommendations were made by the investigating entity or the Commission.