What happened
On 9 May 2021, a pilot initiated a private touring flight from Przylep aerodrome (EPZP) to Żar (EPZR) in a Tecnam Astore, registration I-C3 and 26. After a successful takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 30 to 40 meters. At this height, the pilot reported engine issues and declared the intention to perform a downwind landing.
Following the decision to abort the climb, the pilot executed a right-hand turn and subsequently began a left-hand turn to return to the runway. During this low-altitude maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and spin. The left wing and propeller struck the airfield perimeter, causing the aircraft to rebound and subsequently burst into flames. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's engine, flight parameters, and the pilot's maneuvers. Analysis of engine components revealed that while the engine was mechanically sound, it was operating on a rich fuel mixture, which produced visible black smoke and white fog during takeoff. This condition likely prompted the pilot's decision to abort the flight but did not significantly alter the aircraft's performance parameters. The investigation also compared the accident flight to two previous take-offs, confirming that the aircraft's performance was within the limits specified in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain the necessary airspeed required for a safe emergency landing.
- The pilot performed a 180-degree turn at a low altitude, a maneuver prohibited by the AFM.
- The pilot exceeded the maximum allowable bank angle during the turn.
- The aircraft's actual takeoff mass was close to its maximum takeoff mass (MTOM).
- Wind conditions pushed the aircraft to the left during the final stage of the turn, contributing to the loss of control.