What happened
On September 8, 2023, an AT-3 R100 aircraft, registration SP-RWG, operated by Runway Pilot School, was conducting night VFR training at Warsaw-Babice airport (EPBC). During the preflight inspection, a student pilot failed to remove a linkage attached to the nose gear strut. Although the instructor noticed the linkage, no action was taken to detach it.
The inspection process was interrupted when refueling operations began. Following the completion of refueling, the preflight inspection was not resumed, and the instructor later admitted to forgetting that the linkage was still attached. After engine start, the aircraft taxied to runway 28L and took off. Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden jerk, which the crew interpreted as potential landing gear damage. The crew continued the climb and flew near the control tower to inspect the gear. Tower personnel observed and confirmed that the linkage was still attached to the nose gear strut. The aircraft subsequently landed safely on runway 28L without further incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed the documentation provided by the investigating entity and concluded that the findings were sufficient to close the investigation. The investigation focused on the sequence of the preflight inspection and the crew's actions following the interruption caused by refueling.