Flight History
On 29 June 2025, the pilot, who owned the Robinson R44 Raven II (registration SP-SIM), planned a private flight from Rybno near Sochaczew to hotel Warchoły near Szczytno. After checking weather conditions via applications, the pilot performed a pre-flight inspection with no reservations. The helicopter was fueled with approximately 115 litres of Avgas 100LL. The engine run-up showed no issues, and the pilot departed around 2:30 PM with three passengers.
After about 50 minutes of flight, with the helideck at hotel Warchoły in sight, the pilot intended to inspect the helideck and approach. The pilot reduced speed to about 50 knots and turned right to a downwind position. At that moment, the helicopter began losing altitude and changing flight direction. The pilot moved the collective pitch control to the highest position, and the warning system indicated maximum engine power. A few seconds later, an aural signal warned of main rotor slowing.
The pilot decided against inspecting the helideck and instead conducted a precautionary landing near the shoreline of Lake Świętajno. The landing was hard, with the skid landing gear contacting the ground followed by a short ground run. Just before touchdown, due to low forward speed and a high main rotor blade angle, the main rotor stalled. The landing was recorded by a third party on a mobile phone. After landing, the engine remained running; the pilot shut off the fuel supply using the stop valve, and then slowed the main rotor with the handbrake.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the three passengers. All occupants exited the helicopter without assistance.
Damage to the Aircraft
The helicopter sustained serious damage resulting from the hard landing. No pre-existing damage, including to the engine or transmission, was found. Main damage included deformed skid landing gear attachment nodes, deformation of the bottom fuselage covering, deformation of the left passenger door fixture, and deformation of the main rotor mast cover near the fuselage.
Other Information
Weather conditions across most of Poland on the afternoon of 29 June 2025 permitted the flight. The helicopter's flight and landing were documented by a third-party recording.
Actions Taken by the Investigation Team
The pilot provided a statement. A detailed inspection of the helicopter was carried out. As of the release of this preliminary report, no safety recommendations have been issued.