What happened
On April 19, 2020, at approximately 12:30 LMT, a recreational flight involving a KR-0CO Topaz-XLS, registration SP-STOM, was conducting a landing at the Nieborów-Bobrowniki airfield. The flight originated from Cieszkowo, and the pilot had maintained two-way radio communication with Olsztyn and Warszawa Information throughout the mission.
While executing the left-hand traffic pattern for runway 07, the aircraft was on final approach in landing configuration. During this phase, the aircraft struck medium-voltage power lines located approximately 170 meters from the threshold of runway 07 at an altitude of about 6 meters. Following the impact with the lines, the aircraft struck the ground. The pilot and passenger were able to egress the aircraft on their own and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid ATPL(A) licenses and a current medical certificate. The aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and all periodic maintenance had been performed according to instructions. The engine was functioning normally until the moment of impact.
The investigation examined the approach path and the airfield environment. It was noted that the pilot descended below the approach path prescribed in the Nieborów-Bobrowniki operational instructions. Additionally, the investigators looked into the visibility of obstacles near the runway threshold.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error resulting in the aircraft descending below the prescribed approach path.
- A contributing factor was a possible wind gust, which the pilot reported as a vertical gust, potentially causing the descent.
- The lack of visible marking on the medium-voltage power lines located 170 meters from the runway threshold contributed to the occurrence.