What happened
On September 21, 2024, at approximately 14:45 local time, an ultralight STOLL TT2000, registration SP-SYPC, was attempting a takeoff from a temporary airstrip located on the right bank of the Narew River in Piątnica, near Łomża. The aircraft, operated by a private owner, was participating in the "Mikrolotowe Mistrzostwa Podlaskiego Kontakty 24" event.
During the takeoff roll, upon reaching a speed close to rotation (Vr) while still on the ground, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. This resulted in a deviation from the runway centerline to the right by approximately 90 degrees. The aircraft subsequently collided with ground vehicles parked near the end of the runway. The collision caused the total destruction of the aircraft and damaged three ground vehicles. The pilot was able to exit the cockpit unassisted, and no injuries were reported among the crew or bystanders.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the circumstances of the temporary airfield, which had been established for the microlight championships. The runway, measuring 310 meters in length and 20 meters in width, was marked for the event, though no formal technical documentation for the landing site had been developed. Operations were conducted with the permission of the event's flight director. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km, clear skies, and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
- The aircraft deviated significantly from the runway heading, leading to the collision with parked vehicles.
- The takeoff area was a temporary strip established for a competition, lacking formal technical documentation.
Safety action
Following the initial site inspection, the PKBWL provided immediate recommendations to the event organizers and the flight director to ensure the safety of continued operations on the following day. These included:
- Conducting a briefing for all pilots regarding the specific 310-meter length of the available runway.
- Requiring pilots to recalculate necessary takeoff roll distances based on their specific aircraft and current meteorological conditions.
- Ensuring all takeoff rolls commence strictly from the start of the runway threshold.