What happened
On 10 January 2023, a helicopter with registration SP-HEYO departed from the Smętowo Graniczne airfield at 13:20 LMT. The pilot did not file a flight plan and failed to maintain communication with the Gdańsk Flight Information Service (FIS). After the pilot failed to return as scheduled, his family alerted the police, prompting a search operation. At approximately 20:45, search teams located the wreckage and the deceased pilot in the vicinity of Leśnia Jania.
The investigation
The State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) examined the wreckage and reviewed records from the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC). The investigation uncovered that the aircraft, identified by a manufacturer's plate as a YOYO SERIE I, was being operated in violation of existing regulations. Specifically, the ULC had previously issued a decision on 30 August 2022 prohibiting the operation of SP-HEYO due to discovered irregularities.
Further scrutiny revealed profound discrepancies regarding the aircraft's origin and components. While documentation suggested the aircraft was assembled by Manufaktura Lotnicza, the actual manufacturer of Yo-Yo helicopters, Aero Eli Servizi, stated that Manufaktura Lotnicza was not authorized to manufacture, modify, or maintain these aircraft, nor to use their trademark. Additionally, the engine found in the wreckage did not match the specifications listed on the aircraft's data plate, which claimed a 180 HP Lycoming engine, whereas the recovered engine was an O-320-B2C with 160 HP.
Findings
- The aircraft was being operated despite an active prohibition by the ULC President.
- The aircraft was illegally manufactured or modified using unauthorized processes and unserviceable subassemblies from Robinson R22 helicopters.
- Significant discrepancies existed between the aircraft's official documentation and the actual hardware found in the wreckage, particularly regarding the engine type and power.
- The pilot was operating without a flight plan or active radio contact with air traffic services.