What happened
On 12 March 2022, a private flight involving a Fly Penquin 2.0 (Fox), registration SP-STYL, resulted in an accident at the Bielsko-Biała (EPBA) aerodrome. The flight began as a series of ground accelerations to test braking action. During one of these runs, the aircraft experienced an unexpected lift-off and climbed. The crew decided to perform a full aerodrome traffic circuit rather than landing immediately.
During the final approach, the pilot in command handed control to the second occupant. The aircraft was flying on a very flat glide slope at a low altitude. As the aircraft approached the western boundary of the aerodrome, the airspeed decreased significantly. The aircraft then tilted sharply to the right, lost direction, and collided with the ground, entering an unintentional spin. Both pilots sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the wreckage, interviewed the crew, and reviewed CCTV footage. The investigation focused on the aircraft's instrumentation and weight limits. Investigators discovered that a static pressure tube connected to the airspeed indicator (ASI) was bent at a 90-degree angle, likely due to improper installation during a previous maintenance session. This defect likely caused inaccurate airspeed readings.
Furthermore, the investigation determined that the aircraft's maximum takeoff mass had been exceeded by at least 13 kg. The investigators also noted that the aircraft's maintenance records were inconsistent and that the pilots lacked recent training and experience with this specific aircraft type.