Introduction
On 5 July 2020, at approximately 07:05 local time, an ultralight aircraft KR-2S, registration OM-M549, was involved in an accident at Krosno airfield (EPKR). The flight was a technical flight following installation of a new engine. The pilot, a 70-year-old male with a valid CPL(A) license and approximately 3960 total flight hours, was the sole occupant. He sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Flight Preparation
The pilot arrived at the airfield around 07:00 with the intention of performing the post-engine-change test flight. Together with the aircraft owner, a pre-flight inspection was carried out. The engine had been previously run and was warm. After starting, the pilot performed an engine run-up; parameters were normal (3150 RPM). Three trial taxi runs were conducted, after which the pilot assessed the engine and aircraft response as correct. He then decided to take off.
Accident Sequence
The pilot positioned the aircraft for takeoff on runway 29, left side of RWY 3, about 300 m from its threshold. After receiving clearance from the tower, he began the takeoff roll. Witnesses observed the aircraft seemed reluctant to accelerate and rotate. The pilot intentionally extended the ground roll with the tail slightly low. After liftoff, the pilot maintained a climb speed of 120–130 km/h. At about 35 m above ground, near the end of RWY 3, the aircraft transitioned to level flight and then began to descend, despite full throttle and apparently normal engine operation.
Recognizing the inability to climb, the pilot initiated a left turn with shallow bank. Seeing a small meadow between buildings on the right, he decided to attempt an emergency landing. During the turn toward the meadow, the right wing struck a roadside lamppost that the pilot had not noticed. The aircraft then yawed right approximately 180° and fell backwards onto a private property, hitting a fence, a parked car (which was pushed sideways into a garage wall), and finally stopped against a fence on the opposite side.
Post-Accident Actions
After the aircraft came to rest, the pilot shut off the ignition and fuel valve, unbuckled his harness, and exited the cockpit (the canopy was open). He noticed an unusual smell from the engine compartment but no fire. He returned to retrieve his headset and kneeboard. Emergency services arrived shortly, and the pilot was transported to a hospital.
Damage
The aircraft was totally destroyed. Additionally, a parked car, a fence, a garage wall, and a streetlamp were damaged.
Contributing Factors Noted in Report
The report notes that the pilot initiated takeoff from a point 300 m from the RWY 3 threshold, rather than from the beginning of the 1100 m asphalt runway (RWY 1). The pilot stated he chose RWY 3 because he was unfamiliar with the aircraft's behavior on concrete. The report also states that no request for permission to perform the technical flight had been submitted to SLUF (Slovak Ultralight Federation), making the flight illegal under their regulations.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was conducted by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL). The report does not state a probable cause.