What happened
On 4 September 2024, a pilot performing a series of water landings on Lake Lednica, near the town of Lednogóra, experienced an aircraft overturn. The aircraft, a CessNA 172 P with registration SP-RBI, was conducting a training flight involving multiple landings on the lake surface.
During the third landing approach, the pilot was executing a right-hand circuit. While the first two landings were successful, the third approach was more elongated. As the aircraft neared the water, a sudden and strong wind gust struck from the starboard side. This gust caused the right wing to lift significantly, inducing a roll to the left. As the aircraft rolled, the airspeed decreased and the angle of attack changed, causing the left float to submerge. The aircraft subsequently pitched down, and the right wing struck the water surface violently, causing the plane to overturn.
The pilot and a female passenger were able to exit the submerged cockpit on their own and remained with the aircraft's floats until rescue services arrived. Firefighters eventually evacuated both occupants to a nearby beach. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained serious damage, including a destroyed right wing, broken float struts, and damage to the fuselage and engine cowling.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid ATPL(A) and medical certificate, and that the aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within safe limits. Maintenance logs showed that all recent 50-hour inspections for the airframe, engine, propeller, and floats had been completed recently. The investigation also reviewed witness statements and video footage of the preceding successful landings.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a strong wind gust during the landing phase, which prevented the pilot from maintaining effective control.
- The pilot's visual estimation of the wind speed was inaccurate; while the pilot estimated speeds of 8-10 knots, measured wind speeds were approximately 14 knots.
- The presence of sudden increases in wind speed on the lake surface contributed to the loss of control.
- The aircraft's mechanical systems and maintenance status were found to be in good working order, with no defects contributing to the event.