What happened
On the evening of May 5, 2022, an ultralight aircraft, a Straton D-8 Moby Dick with registration OK-AUN01, was involved in a fatal accident near Górki, Mielec. Earlier that day, the new owner of the aircraft had arrived at a local landing strip with his two sons to assemble the aircraft, which had been transported on a trailer. The previous owner of the aircraft was present to provide instruction on its operation and had performed several demonstration flights earlier in the day.
Following the departure of the previous owner, the new owner and his two sons decided to taxi the aircraft around the landing strip at approximately 20:30 to familiarize themselves with its handling. At approximately 21:00, the aircraft took off after a short takeoff roll of roughly 40–50 meters. During the initial climb, the aircraft performed a 90-degree left turn at an altitude of about 60 meters, followed by a second turn. During the subsequent climb, the aircraft began to lose airspeed. The aircraft then entered a nose-down attitude, gaining speed and engine RPM, before transitioning back into a climb where engine RPM decreased. The aircraft subsequently lost airspeed and entered a flat spin to the right. After completing approximately 1.25 rotations, the aircraft descended almost vertically and struck the ground approximately 250 meters east of the landing strip, resulting in a post-crash fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation examined the operational status of the aircraft and the qualifications of the occupants. The PKBWL established that the aircraft was being operated without a valid technical inspection (Technical Certificate) and lacked mandatory third-party liability insurance. Furthermore, it was determined that none of the individuals on board at the time of the accident held the necessary licenses or authorizations to pilot the aircraft.
Findings
- The aircraft was being operated by unauthorized personnel.
- The aircraft was being operated in violation of established aviation regulations.
- The aircraft lacked a valid technical inspection and required insurance.
- The pilot's weight was approximately 60 kg, which was below the manufacturer'specified minimum of 70 kg for the front seat. This likely resulted in an aft center of gravity, causing the aircraft to be over-sensitive and contributing to the flat spin.