What happened
On 9 May 2021, an EV-97 Eurostar SL, registration OK-YUA98, was performing a private flight from Milewo aerodrome (EPMX) with an intended destination of Płock aerodrome (EPPL). During the take-off run on runway 18, the aircraft encountered a large puddle of water covering approximately one-third of the runway length.
As the aircraft passed through the water, it experienced aquaplaning, which caused a significant loss of directional control. Under the influence of propeller torque, the aircraft veered approximately 45 degrees from the centerline. The aircraft continued its run at full power, eventually striking a building's terrace balustrade with the right wing tip and hitting a vertical support beam. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate vertically before coming to rest against a property fence. There were no injuries to the pilot or a bystander present on the building's terrace, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage, including damage to the wing, propeller, fuselage, and landing gear.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation utilized CCTV footage from the aerodrome, pilot statements, and the aerodrome operator's records. Investigators examined the runway surface conditions and the mechanical state of the aircraft's controls. The analysis focused on the pilot's response to the loss of direction and the functionality of the power control knob. The investigation established that the pilot attempted to correct the deviation using ailerons rather than rudder and noted that the power control knob's brake mechanism may have been over-tightened, making it difficult to reduce engine power during the emergency.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to regain control of the aircraft during the take-off run following the loss of direction caused by aquaplaning.
- The pilot failed to make the decision to abort the take-off despite the significant disturbance to the aircraft's trajectory.
- Contributing factors included a failure to recognize hazardous terrain conditions, specifically the presence of the large puddle and runway undulations.
- An insufficient pre-flight cockpit check resulted in the power control knob brake being improperly set, which hindered the pilot's ability to quickly reduce power.
- The pilot did not adequately prepare for an aborted take-off procedure or evaluate the necessity of coordinating the arrival/departure with the aerodrome operator outside of standard AIP hours.