Accident Details
On 7 March 2025, at approximately 15:00 LMT, a pilot took off from Wyszonowice airfield in a microlight (Apollo C15DD/Delta Jet 2, registration SP-MTOO). The pilot held a PHGP qualification with PHGL1 endorsement and reported about 800 hours of microlight experience. He also possessed a valid LAPL medical certificate without restrictions.
After takeoff on a heading of 120°, the pilot climbed to about 30–40 m AGL and initiated a left turn. While on the downwind leg north of the airfield, he reduced the engine RPM excessively. The microlight began to descend with a high vertical speed. Realizing the low altitude, the pilot abruptly increased throttle to maximum in an attempt to climb, but the aircraft's inertia prevented avoiding a tree near an old railway embankment.
At approximately 5 m above ground, the left wingtip struck tree branches, causing a loss of directional control and the ability to sustain flight. The microlight entered an uncontrolled rotation, crashed into bushes and undergrowth, and the engine stopped. No fire occurred. The aircraft was destroyed.
The pilot sustained serious injuries. Witnesses—other airfield users flying that day—alerted emergency services. Helicopter Emergency Medical Service transported the pilot to a hospital.
The pilot stated that he had planned the circuit too low, such that the altitude did not allow safe clearance over obstacles in case of an engine malfunction or power reduction.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined:
- The pilot flew the circuit at an altitude that did not provide adequate clearance over terrain obstacles in the airfield area.
- The pilot reduced engine power too early on the circuit, before the turn to final approach.
The Commission accepted no preventive actions nor issued any safety recommendations.