What happened
On January 20, 2020, at approximately 14:15 LMT, a Robinson R-22 Beta II helicopter, registration A7-JRO, was engaged in a flight from Wzgórze Dylewskie toward Milewo. Earlier that day, the aircraft had completed a flight from Milewo to Wzgórze Dylewskie. During the stay at the destination, meteorological conditions significantly deteriorated.
While attempting the return leg to the original departure point, the pilot likely decided to divert back to the starting airfield due to the worsening weather. During this flight, the helicopter struck the treetops in a forested area, subsequently impacting the ground. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot at the scene.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was not listed in the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) aircraft register. Furthermore, it was determined that the pilot did not possess the necessary qualifications to operate this specific helicopter.