Event Overview
On 6 June 2021, at approximately 17:24 local time, a Cessna 172N, registration SP-KIE, operated by Aeroklub Warszawski, collided with trees while performing a go-around at the Żernica Wyżna airstrip. The accident occurred during a rally organized by the operator. The aircraft had departed from the Weremień airstrip around 17:10, intending to land at Żernica Wyżna.
Flight and Approach
The pilot, a 42-year-old male with a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) and a total flight time of 116 hours 45 minutes, including 1 hour 38 minutes on the Cessna 172 type, was flying with two passengers. One passenger held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL(A)) with approximately 300 hours but was not acting as pilot; the other passenger had no aviation licenses.
Upon arrival at Żernica Wyżna, the pilot performed an overhead inspection and entered a left-hand circuit. After establishing radio contact with the instructor who had already landed, he received landing clearance. The approach was made with full flaps and carburetor heat on, at a speed of 60-65 knots. The pilot planned to touch down in the first quarter of the runway, but according to a passenger, the flare was prolonged and the aircraft floated. The investigation determined that the pilot likely used the runway end as a reference for altitude during the flare, resulting in a flare at too high an altitude, partly due to the rising nature of the runway surface.
Go-Around and Collision
When the aircraft was approximately 2-3 meters above the runway and about halfway along its length, the instructor on the ground issued a "go around" command via radio. The pilot did not react immediately; the passenger with the CPL repeated the command, after which the pilot increased engine power to initiate the go-around. The investigation noted that an immediate response might have allowed the aircraft to clear the trees.
During the go-around, the pilot retracted the flaps and turned slightly left, as suggested by the passenger, to increase distance for acceleration and climb before reaching the forest at the runway's end. However, the climb was insufficient, and the left wing struck a tree. The aircraft then rotated left, struck additional trees with its right side, and fell to the ground.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained general body contusions. The female passenger suffered serious injuries including lung contusion, broken ribs, and concussion. The male passenger was uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.
Rescue efforts began with witnesses arriving shortly after the crash. One witness, a doctor, helped extract the trapped passenger. Due to fuel leaking from the left tank, all occupants moved away from the wreckage. A helicopter emergency medical service transported the seriously injured passenger to a hospital; the pilot and the other passenger were taken by ambulance. A police alcohol test on the pilot returned 0.00 mg/L.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) analyzed the accident. The pilot had limited experience, especially on the Cessna 172 type, having obtained his type qualification only four days prior. The landing at Żernica Wyżna was not planned beforehand; the decision to land was made by each crew during a stop at Weremień. The commission noted that the pilot, with low experience, should have been aware that his skills might be insufficient for the challenging landing conditions. The continuous adjustment of the trim during the flare distracted the pilot from assessing altitude and touchdown point. The delayed reaction to the go-around command further reduced the available climb margin.
Meteorological conditions were not a contributing factor.