Overview
On 11 June 2020, a Robinson R44 helicopter (registration D-HAIL) was involved in an incident near the villages of Łazy and Raszyna, Poland. The pilot had been tasked with transporting a passenger from Konstancin to Sochaczew and back. Due to a thunderstorm front with lightning and heavy rain, the departure was delayed until 22:15 UTC. After landing in Sochaczew at 22:52, the pilot was informed by FIS Warsaw of deteriorating weather in the Warsaw area but decided to depart for Konstancin at 23:15.
Flight Details
Approaching the Warsaw-Okęcie CTR, the pilot was denied clearance to transit due to weather. Initially considering a route through the Warsaw-Babice ATZ, he abandoned that plan due to terrain obstacles and opted to approach Konstancin from the south, bypassing the CTR. While near the Raszyn mast, with horizontal visibility dropping to about 1500 meters, he decided to perform a precautionary landing. The helicopter landed in open terrain at Łazy at 23:50. The pilot closed the flight plan with FIS Warsaw and left the helicopter unattended to go home. The following afternoon, he returned and flew the helicopter to Konstancin.
Findings
The flight to Sochaczew and the return leg to the precautionary landing were conducted at an altitude of 600–700 ft AMSL, as indicated by the transponder. During the final phase, horizontal visibility fell below 1500 meters. According to AIP Polska ENR 1.2, night VFR flights must be performed at least 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within 8 km of the aircraft's presumed position. By flying at 600–700 ft AMSL, the pilot violated night VFR altitude regulations.
Outcome
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) decided to refrain from further investigation of the incident, citing that the aircraft was operated contrary to applicable regulations. The commission notified the President of the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) of suspected regulatory violations.