What happened
On July 23, 2022, sightseeing flights were being conducted at the Zator landing field during a brief period of favorable weather between rain showers. At approximately 20:10 LMT, while flying near the hangar area with a passenger on board, the pilot of the Libre powered hang glider, registration SP-MGOR, reduced engine power to begin a descent. While at an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the aircraft entered a left-hand turn characterized by a steep bank and a sideslip. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground.
The impact resulted in one fatality (the pilot) and one passenger with serious injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the aircraft was being operated in violation of several aviation regulations. The investigation found that the Libre did not have a valid technical inspection and lacked the required third-party liability insurance. Furthermore, the pilot did not hold valid flight qualifications or a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident. Despite these regulatory failures, the pilot was noted to have significant aviation experience, having flown hang gliders since 2000, with prior experience in gliders and airplanes.
Due to the fact that the aircraft was being operated by an unauthorized person and in violation of existing regulations, the Commission decided to refrain from a full technical investigation, notifying the Civil Aviation Authority and the Prosecutor's Office of this decision.