Accident Sequence
On 9 March 2023, a training flight involving an Evektor-Aerotechnik SportStar RTC, registration SP-GDN, departed from Pruszcz Gdański Airport (EPPR) at 11:45 UTC. The crew comprised a student pilot holding a PPL(A) license and an instructor pilot holding a CPL(A) license. The flight was conducted under the training syllabus task SAM/Z-31.
After departure, the crew performed six traffic patterns with touch-and-go procedures. During the climb after the sixth pattern, engine rpm dropped. The crew turned toward the runway and landed downwind. After exiting the runway, they conducted an engine run-up and found no anomaly. They then took off and proceeded to the practice area.
In the practice area, the crew performed simulated instrument flight and a practice emergency landing. During the transition to climb, engine power dropped sharply. The crew attempted a 180-degree turn at low altitude, which led to an aerodynamic stall. The right wing struck the ground, and the aircraft was destroyed. Both pilots sustained serious injuries; they were wearing their seat belts correctly. No fire occurred.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The SportStar RTC (serial number 20172004, built in 2017) was a single-engine, two-seat, all-metal low-wing aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. It was powered by a Rotax 912 ULS 2-01 engine driving a Woodcomp propeller. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 2,143 hours and was equipped with a Dynon SkyView EFIS/EMS/GPS system. The fuel used was RON 95 gasoline (50 liters onboard).
The student pilot (male, 51) had 166 hours total flight time, with 56 hours on type. He held a valid PPL(A) license with SEP(L) rating and a class 2 medical certificate. The instructor (male, 32) held a CPL(A) license with SEP(L), MEP(L), FI(A), and IR ratings, and had 529 hours total flight time, including 318 hours as instructor. His recent flight time on the SportStar was 50 hours.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather reported from EPGD (19 km northeast of EPPR) indicated: wind northeast at 8 knots, temperature 1–2°C, dew point -8°C, humidity 47%, pressure 1000 hPa, visibility 10 km, with no clouds below 1,500 m. The conditions were favorable for icing, particularly during descent or cruise phases, as depicted in the icing probability diagram.
Damage and Investigation
The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The right wing separated from the airframe. Wreckage examination confirmed continuity of aileron and elevator control systems; rudder control continuity was broken by impact. Engine inspection revealed fuel in both carburetor float chambers, and the crankshaft rotated without excessive resistance. Spark plugs showed normal deposit. No evidence of physiological impairment or alcohol/drug use was found.
Data from the aircraft's recording system showed two engine power loss events: the first during the initial flight, and the second fatal loss in the practice area. The flight data recorder indicated a sharp rpm drop from 4,909 to 3,611 rpm, followed by engine stoppage; the subsequent turn resulted in a stall and ground impact.