History of the Flight
On 16 February 2024, the pilot of a Tecnam P92 Echo Super, registration SP-SKNN, planned a flight from Zator aerodrome (EPZT) to Milewo aerodrome (EPMX). This was the pilot's first flight in the newly purchased aircraft. On board were the pilot and a passenger. The aircraft had undergone an engine replacement and scheduled maintenance, concluding with a test flight of approximately 30 minutes. During that test flight, the new owner and the previous owner were on board, with the previous owner piloting. Prior to departure from Zator, the pilot contacted the aerodrome owner by phone and obtained landing permission. The owner informed the pilot that the beginning of runway 18, on a section approximately 200 m long, was wet and unsuitable for touchdown. Takeoff from Zator occurred around 14:00 LMT, and the flight to Milewo was uneventful. On arrival, the pilot initially planned an approach to runway 36, but the appearance of another aircraft forced a change to runway 18. The aerodrome's monitoring camera recorded the final approach and the occurrence.
Course of the Occurrence
During the final approach, the aircraft maintained its direction and a constant approach angle. However, with flaps deployed in landing configuration, the pilot did not adjust the throttle, resulting in a progressive decrease in airspeed. After passing the aerodrome fence at an altitude of about 2 meters AGL—suitable for the flare phase—a deep stall occurred. The pilot did not correct a lateral imbalance, causing the aircraft to tilt slightly left and lose directional control. A hard touchdown followed, damaging the front landing gear fork and striking the propeller on the grass runway, which led to a ground loop. There was no fire. The pilot shut off the magnetos, main switch, and fuel valves. Both occupants exited the wreckage unaided. Witnesses called emergency services. Firefighters disconnected and removed the battery from the fuselage. Medical services assessed the crew; the passenger was taken to a hospital in Płońsk and later discharged after tests.
Relevant Information
The pilot, aged 56, held a valid PPL(A) license with SEP(L) rating, a Class 2 medical certificate with VDL limitation, and a LAPL medical certificate. His total flight time on the aircraft was 56 hours 18 minutes, with 54 hours 18 minutes on the Tecnam 2008 type and only 2 hours on the Tecnam P92 Echo Super. He had no command flights in the previous 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. The aircraft was airworthy, with all required documents and civil liability insurance.
Conclusions
The investigation found that the pilot had the necessary qualifications but limited aviation experience. The aircraft was fit for flight and properly maintained. As a result of a stall, the pilot lost lateral balance control, causing the aircraft to collide with the ground and overturn. The passenger sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was substantially damaged.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The commission identified the following causes and contributing factors: lack of speed control during the landing approach; change of landing direction to runway 18, which was unsuitable for landing; the pilot's limited general flying experience and limited experience on this particular aircraft; and significant breaks in aircraft piloting (at least 90 days) combined with flying a new aircraft type without appropriate preparation.