What happened
On July 29, 2020, a recreational flight was being conducted in a KR-030 Topaz, registration OM-M475, departing from the airfield in Wolica Ługowa. While the aircraft was performing a left turn approximately 10 km from the departure point near Ropczyce, the pilot and passenger noticed a sudden increase in noise within the cockpit.
To investigate the source of the noise, the pilot contacted an observer on the ground and requested a visual inspection of the aircraft. The observer reported that the baggage compartment cover was missing. Following this discovery, the pilot returned to the departure airfield and landed without further incident. The missing cover was subsequently located on the ground by the observer. The aircraft sustained minor damage, specifically to the left side storage door and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the pilot, who was also the aircraft owner, had been regularly operating the aircraft without a valid medical certificate, as their most recent medical assessment was negative.
During the technical examination, the aircraft manufacturer inspected the damaged component and performed the necessary repairs. The manufacturer's inspection revealed no manufacturing, technological, or workmanship defects in the part that failed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the poor quality of the connection of one of the fasteners securing the baggage compartment cover.
- The pilot was operating the aircraft without a valid medical certification.