What happened
On August 22, 2024, a serious aviation incident occurred involving a Xenon 2 RST autogyro, registration SP-XRAY. The investigation is currently being conducted by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) under case number 2024-0072.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigative team has performed several field and laboratory actions to determine the circumstances of the event. Investigators conducted an inspection of the wreckage at the manufacturer's storage facility, where the aircraft had been moved prior to the commission's arrival. During this process, photographic documentation was captured and the engine's spark plugs were examined. The investigators also interviewed both the pilot and the passenger involved in the incident.
Regarding physical evidence, the team was unable to collect fuel samples directly from the aircraft's tank, as all fuel had been drained into a large container before the wreckage was transported from the site. Furthermore, the investigation has faced challenges regarding documentation; the commission has been unable to obtain a complete record of the aircraft's operational history, including details on modifications or the implementation of service bulletins. The manufacturer had committed to providing these documents but had not fulfilled this obligation at the time of this interim statement.
Findings
At this stage of the investigation, the PKBWL has not yet established the definitive cause of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing to identify the specific factors that led to the event.