Flight History
On 2 June 2022, a pilot holding a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL(A)) planned an enroute flight from EPRU aerodrome in a Cessna C-152, registration SP-AKW, with a passenger. The pilot did not inform the flying club official about the passenger. Before the flight, the pilot did not check the fuel quantity and incorrectly entered the fuel amount in the aircraft technical log. Weather at departure and along the planned route was suitable for VFR flight.
At approximately 17:30 LMT, the pilot and passenger walked to the aircraft. The pilot assisted the passenger with seat belts, performed a pre-flight inspection, checked oil level, and verified the passenger-side cockpit door closure. He entered the cockpit at 17:40, started the engine, taxied to the holding point for runway 26, and took off at 17:44.
After leaving the EPRU Aerodrome Traffic Zone at 17:53, the pilot contacted FIS Kraków, reporting his position at the WHISKEY point west of EPRU and his intention to fly toward Wieluń then return. The FIS provided QNH and asked for a report on return, but the pilot did not confirm. He did not maintain further radio communication. The flight continued past Kłobuck toward Krzepice. Near Krzepice, the pilot circled over his family house, bypassed the village to the west, then turned north toward Wieluń. He later changed heading to east, crossing the approach path to the Natolin airstrip, and briefly flew northeast.
Accident Sequence
After approximately 30 minutes of flight, the aircraft began descending while accelerating along a gentle, tightening spiral trajectory. It struck the ground at high speed near Rębielice Królewskie. The aircraft was destroyed; no fire occurred. The pilot and passenger died on the spot.
Investigation
State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the inquiry. According to records, the pilot had valid licencing and medical certification. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had no recorded maintenance deficiencies. The aircraft's weight and balance at takeoff was within limits; the centre of gravity was not determined due to unknown passenger weight, but PKBWL estimated it remained within the envelope throughout the flight. A review of weather data indicated CAVOK conditions with light winds.
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre‑impact mechanical failures. The engine was producing power at impact, and control continuity was confirmed. The FLARM data showed erratic altitude changes in the final moments.
The analysis determined that the aircraft entered an uncontrollable spiral resulting in collision with terrain. The specific cause of the spiral could not be determined.
Conclusions
Findings included: the pilot did not check fuel quantity and made an incorrect log entry; the flight was conducted without full communication; the aircraft operated within performance limits. The probable cause of the accident was an uncontrollable spiral. No safety recommendations were issued.
Probable Cause
Uncontrollable spiral resulting in collision with terrain. PKBWL was not able to determine a cause of the spiral.