Event Description
On 8 September 2023, at Warsaw-Babice Airport (EPBC), a night VFR training flight was performed using an AT-3 R100 aircraft, registration SP-RWG, owned by ATO Runway Pilot School. During the pre-flight inspection, the student pilot did not remove a tow bar attached to the nose landing gear. The instructor observed this omission but took no action to detach the tow bar. The pre-flight inspection was interrupted when refueling began; after refueling, the inspection was not resumed, and the instructor later admitted forgetting about the attached tow bar.
After engine start, the aircraft taxied to Runway 28L and took off. Upon liftoff, a jerk was felt, interpreted as possible landing gear damage. Despite this, the climb was continued, and the aircraft flew near the EPBC tower for a visual check of the landing gear. Tower personnel observed and confirmed the tow bar still attached to the nose gear. The aircraft then landed without further incident on Runway 28L.
Cause of the Incident
The incident was caused by an improperly performed pre-flight inspection, which resulted in the tow bar remaining attached to the aircraft's nose landing gear.
Contributing Factors
No contributing factors were identified.
Preventive Actions
On 14 September 2023, a theoretical knowledge check of the instructor was conducted.