What happened
On June 26, 2025, an Aeroprakt A22 LS, registration SP-SMAH, was conducting a sightseeing flight with a passenger from Niegowoniczki to Sąspów. During the flight, the pilot noticed a momentary loss of oil temperature indications. Although engine parameters remained otherwise normal, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing at the nearby Jerzmanowice airfield.
While performing two circuits to check landing conditions, the pilot noted a western wind and active thermals. The pilot opted for an approach from the east using minimal flaps. Shortly before touchdown, the wind direction shifted to a tailwind, resulting in an increased touchdown speed. This caused the aircraft to bounce off the runway surface.
Following the bounce, the pilot attempted a go-around by increasing engine power. However, the pilot likely maintained an incorrect pitch angle relative to the slightly rising terrain, which led to a loss of airspeed. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall and descended heavily into a field of tall crops. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, including a broken nose gear, a broken right main landing gear leg, bent wingtips, and a detached right flap. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight sequence, weather conditions, and the physical state of the aircraft. The investigation reviewed meteorological data, which confirmed moderate turbulence due to thermal activity, and analyzed the airfield's characteristics, noting the relatively short 400-meter grass runway and the uneven, hilly terrain surrounding the site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the high-speed touchdown and subsequent bounce from the runway surface.
- The pilot failed to maintain longitudinal and lateral aircraft stability during the go-around attempt, leading to a stall.
- Contributing factors included landing in moderate turbulence caused by thermal activity, the short length of the runway, and the uneven terrain which made it difficult to accurately judge the aircraft's pitch angle.