Incident Overview
On 17 June 2020, at approximately 17:40 local time, a pilot planned to perform a firefighting flight in a PZL M-18B Dromader, registration SP-FFH, from the Forest Aviation Base in Lipki Wielkie to the Bolewice area. The pilot conducted a preflight inspection, started the engine, and performed a run-up with all parameters within normal ranges.
Takeoff and Abort
The pilot began the takeoff roll, lifted the tail, and accelerated on the main gear. While attempting to lift off by gently pulling back on the control column while maintaining full power and a fine pitch setting, the aircraft did not become airborne. The tail wheel contacted the runway, and upon a second attempt to lift off, the aircraft bounced. After the second bounce, with approximately two-thirds of the runway used and speed near Vr, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.
After fully reducing power, the aircraft settled onto all three landing gear. The remaining runway consisted of about 200–250 meters of asphalt and 100–150 meters of grass (non-operational part of the airfield) ending with a fence made of metal posts and netting. The pilot immediately began heavy braking. Initially, speed decreased rapidly, but the aircraft's weight, due to the water load, quickly reduced braking effectiveness. As speed decreased, the pilot attempted a sharp right turn to avoid the fence, but the dry grass caused tire slippage and loss of braking, leading to a collision with the netting.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to a stop after striking the fence. The pilot exited the cockpit without injuries. No fire occurred.
Probable Cause
The cause of the incident was the failure to execute the water dump procedure after the decision to abort the takeoff.
Contributing Factors
- The pilot's limited experience on the M-18B Dromader, with approximately 80 flight hours on type.
- High ambient temperature of 28°C, which degraded aircraft performance.
Safety Actions
During the annual meeting of the base personnel, the operator AEROGRYF AVIATION SP. Z O.O. planned to inform all staff about the incident to highlight the possibility of similar occurrences. Additionally, pilots were reminded to keep the water smudge system activated during takeoffs to enable dumping the load if difficulties arise.