What happened
On the evening of 15 August 2020, a Bristell NG-5 (registration SP-SLES) departed Kikity aerodrome (EPKI) for a recreational flight involving the pilot and one passenger. The flight path was intended to include visits to Mikołajki, Mrągowo, and Giżycko before returning to EPKI. The aircraft operated at altitudes between approximately 950 and 1350 ft AGL.
During the return leg, the pilot notified FIS Olsztyn of an intention to switch to the Kikity aerodrome frequency. Radar data indicated that the aircraft began descending from 1200 ft to 1000 ft as it entered the third turn of the aerodrome traffic circuit for runway 11. Witnesses at the aerodrome observed the aircraft's position lights during this turn, but the lights suddenly disappeared. Following reports of a possible accident from bystanders near a nearby lake, search and rescue teams located the wreckage in a forested, swampy area. The impact with trees and the ground, followed by a post-crash fire, resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined radar records, witness statements, and the wreckage. The investigation noted that while the pilot held a valid PPL(A) and night rating, they had not previously performed night operations at the EPKI aerodrome. The aircraft was equipped with a Ballistic Recovery System (BRS), which activated automatically following the post-crash fire. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's registration status, noting it was entered in the K6E (experimental) category.
Findings
- The aircraft was mechanically fit for flight, and the center of gravity was within permissible limits.
- The pilot was not under the influence of alcohol, and weather conditions were not a contributing factor.
- The uncontrolled loss of height during the third turn of the traffic circuit led to the collision with trees and the ground.
- The pilot likely focused on visual references for the runway, leading to a failure to maintain sufficient altitude.
- The lack of familiarity with the specific terrain characteristics of the EPKI aerodrome at night may have contributed to the loss of situational awareness.
- The aircraft's registration in the experimental (K6E) category was inconsistent with its use for private recreational flights.
Safety action
- The PKBWL recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority amend regulations to ensure that flight-critical documents are kept separate from airworthiness records to prevent their destruction in future accidents.
- A recommendation was made for the Civil Aviation Authority to increase inspections to ensure aircraft registered in the K6E category are used only for their intended experimental or research purposes.