What happened
On December 12, 2021, at approximately 14:30 LMT, a Rans S-12XL "Airaile" ultralight aircraft crashed near Szadek, Poland. The aircraft departed from a private airfield on a geographical course of approximately 24°. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn at a low altitude, likely intending to return to the airfield. During the final phase of this turn, approximately 600 meters from the airfield, the aircraft struck the ground in a flat attitude.
The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury. The occupants were acquaintances of the aircraft owner. The aircraft sustained severe damage during the impact.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the aircraft, which did not possess registration marks, was not entered in the Register of Civil Aircraft or the Register of Flying Devices, nor was it registered for permanent stay in Poland under foreign markings.
Regarding the crew, the deceased individual did not hold a pilot license or certificate for ultralert aircraft, possessing only a paraglider pilot certificate. The second occupant held a US-issued PPL(A) license but had not applied to the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) for conversion to a Polish license.
Technical examinations revealed that the aircraft had undergone various repairs and inspections following its purchase in March 2021. Recent maintenance involving propeller blade angle adjustments had been performed on the day of the accident without the owner's knowledge.
Findings
- The aircraft was operated in extremely difficult meteorological conditions, characterized by total cloud cover with a ceiling between 50 and 100 meters and visibility reduced to 100 meters due to dense fog.
- These weather conditions were highly conducive to carburetor icing across all engine power ranges, and the engine was not equipped with a carburetor heat system.
- The aircraft was being operated without valid registration.
- The individuals operating the aircraft did not possess the required legal qualifications for this aircraft type.