What happened
On 29 June 2025, a private flight was conducted in a Robinson R44 Raven II, registration SP-SIM, traveling from Rybno to the Warchoły hotel near Szczyt and. The flight, which included the pilot and three passengers, proceeded normally for approximately 50 minutes.
As the pilot approached the destination helideck, the aircraft's speed was reduced to approximately 50 knots while initiating a right turn into a downwind position. During this maneuver, the helicopter began to lose altitude and deviate from its intended flight path. In an attempt to correct the descent and direction, the pilot applied maximum collective pitch. This action triggered a maximum power warning from the engine. Shortly thereafter, an aural warning indicated that the main rotor was slowing down.
Recognizing the deteriorating situation, the pilot aborted the approach to the helideck and opted for a precautionary landing near the shoreline of Lake Świętajno. The aircraft performed a hard landing, with the skid gear making contact and a short ground run. The landing was captured on video by a third party.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the aircraft and the pilot's statements. A detailed inspection of the SP-SIM revealed that all damage was a direct result of the hard landing. The damage included deformation of the fuselage covering, the main rotor mast cover, and the left passenger door fixture, as well as damage to the skid landing gear attachment nodes. No pre-existing damage to the engine or transmission was identified.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a main rotor stall occurring just before touchdown, caused by the high angle of the main rotor blades combined with low forward airspeed.
- The pilot's attempt to correct the altitude loss by applying maximum collective pitch contributed to the engine operating at maximum power and the subsequent rotor decay.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers.
- Weather conditions across Poland at the time of the occurrence were suitable for flight.