Engine malfunction leads to emergency landing of PZL-Koliber 150

Casualties unknown • Biała Kolonia, PL

A training flight involving a PZL-Koliber 150 ended in an emergency landing in a field after an exhaust manifold failure caused smoke in the cockpit.

What happened

On September 28, 2020, at 12:01 UTC, a PZL-Koliber 150, registration SP-KYS, departed from Michałków (EPOM) on a training flight toward Włocławek (EPWK). Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the crew noticed an unusual engine sound accompanied by the appearance of smoke inside the cockpit.

Recognizing that the engine condition made a return to the departure airfield or a diversion to the alternate airport unsafe, the crew decided to perform a precautionary landing in an open field near Biała Kolonia. The landing was completed without any injuries or damage to the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical failure that occurred during the flight. Upon inspecting the aircraft following the landing, investigators identified a structural failure in the engine's exhaust system.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the incident was a technical failure involving the detachment of the exhaust manifold pipe from the muffler.
  • No contributing circumstances were identified.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by a technical malfunction where the exhaust manifold pipe broke away from the muffler, resulting in engine noise and smoke in the cabin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-09-28 PZL-150 KOLIBER accident near Biała Kolonia, PL?

A training flight involving a PZL-Koliber 150 ended in an emergency landing in a field after an exhaust manifold failure caused smoke in the cockpit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-09-28 involved a PZL-150 KOLIBER, registration SP-KYS, operated by Pilot samolotowy CPL(A), at Biała Kolonia, PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by a technical malfunction where the exhaust manifold pipe broke away from the muffler, resulting in engine noise and smoke in the cabin.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2020-3102/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.

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