Casualties unknown

2022-05-01: Flight Design CTSW (SP-SGMK) — Pilot samolotów ultralekkich U — Warszawa (EPWA), PL

Warszawa (EPWA), PL

On May 1, 2022, a Flight Design CTSW (registration SP-SGMK) operated by Pilot samolotów ultralekkich U was involved in an aviation accident near Warszawa (EPWA), PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 1) The pilot maintaining too steep approach path and landing three-point (without flare) resulting in a bounce; 2) Unskillful correction of the bounce. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 1785092869Data APIEditorial standards

On 1 May 2022, a Flight Design CTSW ultralight (SP-SGMK) bounced during landing at EPGM due to a steep approach and three-point touchdown, leading to nose gear collapse and substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the passenger reported headache and was hospitalized but later discharged.

Event Details

On 1 May 2022, at approximately 12:00 LMT, a pilot holding a UAP(L) ultralight landplane rating departed from Radawiec airfield (EPLR) with a passenger on board for a non-commercial flight to land at EPGM (Mazury Residence). The aircraft was a Flight Design CTSW, registration SP-SGMK, classified as UL-A (ultralight). The pilot held valid licenses and a medical certificate; the aircraft had current technical documentation and liability insurance. The landing site was suitable for VFR/VMC daytime operations with aircraft up to 5700 kg MTOW.

Accident Sequence

During the landing approach, the pilot maintained an excessively steep descent path, resulting in a higher-than-normal airspeed. The aircraft touched down in a three-point attitude without a flare. After touchdown, the aircraft bounced (a "kangaroo" bounce). In response, the pilot pushed the control stick forward, causing the nose gear to contact the ground first. The nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft nosed over (capsized).

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the nose gear, windshield, engine cowling, left and right wing skins, propeller, and rudder. The pilot suffered minor injuries. The passenger complained of a headache and was taken to a hospital for examination; after tests, she was discharged. Post-accident breathalyzer test on the pilot showed a result of 0.00.

Probable Cause

The investigation identified two causes: 1) The pilot maintaining too steep an approach path and landing three-point (without flare), which resulted in a bounce. 2) Unskillful correction of the bounce. No contributing circumstances or safety recommendations were specified.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2022-1941/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.