Event Description
On 19 September 2020, a pilot planned a cross-country flight from Warsaw-Babice Airport (EPBC) to Łódź-Lublinek (EPLL) and onward, with a return to EPBC. The pilot retrieved the aircraft from hangar 4 at 12:40 UTC, conducted a pre-flight inspection, started the engine, and taxied to holding point A for runway 28L. Due to heavy traffic, the pilot received clearance to line up and wait, and after 10 minutes, took off at 13:45 UTC.
During the initial climb at an altitude of 200-250 feet AGL, the pilot noted a drop in engine RPM to between 3500 and 4000 RPM, compared to the normal takeoff value of 5400 RPM. This power loss was accompanied by minor airframe vibrations. After approximately two seconds, engine parameters returned to normal and the vibrations ceased.
The pilot reported the situation to Babice Radio and continued climbing to about 1200 feet (QNH), then turned back and performed a downwind landing on runway 10R without further issues. The landing occurred at 13:48 UTC.
Investigation Findings
The investigation was conducted by the user of the aircraft under the supervision of the Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL). The aircraft, an Aero AT-3 with registration SP-RWF, sustained no damage and no additional harm was reported.
As a preventive measure, the operator (ATO Runway Pilot School) informed its personnel about the incident. No additional safety recommendations were issued.
Probable Cause
The cause of the incident was not determined.