History of the Flight
On 9 May 2021, the pilot of a Tecnam Astore, registration I-C326, intended to fly from Przylep aerodrome (EPZP) near Zielona Góra to Żar aerodrome (EPZR). At approximately 09:08 local time, the pilot reported engine start in the hangar and taxied to runway 24 threshold. After an engine run-up and receiving traffic information from AFIS, the pilot entered the runway and began take-off around 09:15. The aircraft lifted off after a 150-meter take-off run and started climbing.
As the aircraft reached about 30-40 meters altitude near the halfway point of the runway, the pilot reported an engine problem and stated his intention to land downwind. He then aborted the climb, changed direction to the right, and began a left turn.
Accident Sequence
During the low-altitude turn, the bank angle increased, leading to an aerodynamic stall and spin. In the initial phase of the spin, the aircraft struck the apron (runway strip perimeter) with its left wing and propeller. It rebounded, moved several meters, and burst into flames. Witnesses attempted to extinguish the fire with airport fire extinguishers. The pilot died at the scene.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Tecnam Astore, registered I-C326, privately owned and operated. The pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL(A)). No other persons were on board.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the investigation. The analysis determined that the accident resulted from the aircraft being brought to a stall and spin due to pilot errors after the decision to land downwind. Specifically, the pilot failed to gain an appropriate speed for an emergency landing, executed a 180° turn at low altitude (prohibited in the airplane flight manual), and exceeded the maximum allowable bank angle during the turn.
Contributing factors included the aircraft's mass being close to the maximum take-off mass (MTOM) and a wind direction that pushed the aircraft to the left during the final stage of the turn.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were proposed by the PKBWL.