AT3 R100 enters spin during collision avoidance maneuver near Milewo

Casualties unknown • Wycinki / Milewo (EPMX), PL

An AT3 R100 aircraft crashed into a wooded area after the pilot performed an aggressive maneuver to avoid a glider, resulting in a dynamic stall and spin.

What happened

On July 25, 2020, at approximately 17:38 local time, an AT3 R100, registration SP-RWD, was performing a cross-country flight originating from Warsaw-Babice. The flight plan included a low pass over the Milewo airfield. While entering the fourth turn for landing direction 36, the pilot observed a glider on the same flight path, approximately 10 meters ahead at the same altitude.

In an attempt to avoid a mid-air collision, the pilot abruptly increased engine power and pulled the control column back sharply. This maneuver induced a dynamic stall and sent the aircraft into a right-hand spin. The aircraft subsequently struck a dense thicket of trees, approximately 10 meters in height. The pilot sustained light injuries and was able to exit the cockpit independently after securing the fuel valves and turning off the electrical systems.

The investigation

The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy, properly maintained, and that the pilot held a valid PPL(A) license. The weather conditions were within VFR limits. The investigation also reviewed the glider's flight path and confirmed that the glider had landed safely at Milewo without any damage or contact with the aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's execution of an avoidance maneuver that led to a dynamic stall and spin, compounded by a lack of sufficient airspace observation and a failure to establish radio contact with the airfield.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-07-25 AT3 R100 accident near Wycinki / Milewo (EPMX), PL?

An AT3 R100 aircraft crashed into a wooded area after the pilot performed an aggressive maneuver to avoid a glider, resulting in a dynamic stall and spin.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-07-25 involved a AT3 R100, registration SP-RWD, operated by Pilot samolotowy PPL(A), at Wycinki / Milewo (EPMX), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's execution of an avoidance maneuver that led to a dynamic stall and spin, compounded by a lack of sufficient airspace observation and a failure to establish radio contact with the airfield.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-1997/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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