Event Sequence
On 28 June 2025, a pilot holding a PPL(H) license planned flights from a meadow in Klecza Dolna, near a firefighter festival. The helicopter, a Robinson R44 Raven II registered SP-MMO, was rented from a local operator based at a private airstrip in Barwałd Średni, approximately 6 km away. At 16:34 LMT, the pilot departed Barwałd and landed at Klecza Dolna at 16:39, choosing a mowed meadow surrounded by trees with a power line along its far edge.
After one flight from the meadow, the pilot took three passengers for what was likely a short sightseeing flight. During the approach to land, the helicopter came too close to the power line, striking one of the 15 kV conductors with its rotor blades. The collision occurred around 16:40. The pilot regained control and landed immediately on the meadow, where the passengers disembarked. No one was injured.
The pilot notified the power utility, which disconnected the line. A severed, sparking conductor caused grass to ignite; firefighters extinguished the fire. The pilot contacted the operator, who consulted a maintenance mechanic. Although the mechanic provided inspection guidance for the blades, he did not recommend against further flight. The pilot decided to fly the damaged helicopter back to Barwałd around 18:11. The maintenance organization later reported the accident to the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL). Subsequent inspection revealed severe damage requiring replacement of the main rotor blades.
Pilot Information
The 36-year-old pilot held a valid PPL(H) issued in March 2025, with a total helicopter flight time of 108 hours 56 minutes, all on the R44. He held a valid Class 2 medical certificate. The pilot provided incomplete documentation and gave inconsistent statements, including misidentifying his license type. He claimed not to remember details of the flight with passengers.
Helicopter Information
The helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and ARC. The technical logbook for the event day showed only the flight from Barwałd; times had been altered by over three hours. After the accident, the maintenance organization found indentations on one blade's leading edge and underside. Following consultation with Robinson Helicopter Company, the main rotor blades were replaced. Additional structural and engine inspections revealed no further damage, and the helicopter was returned to service.
Investigation Findings
The pilot stated that sun glare blinded him during approach, preventing him from seeing the power line. However, the Commission determined that at the time and location, the sun was at an azimuth and elevation that would not have caused glare; instead, sunlight would have illuminated the landing area and the obstacle. Video footage from a passenger showed the sun positioned above and to the side, consistent with the analysis. The dark color of the wires against a dark background may have made them hard to see. Alternatively, the pilot may have misjudged the approach, approaching directly toward the obstacle without reducing speed sufficiently, intending to hover and turn 180 degrees, but the rotor struck the line during the maneuver.
The pilot had limited experience flying with passengers; the increased weight of the helicopter altered its handling characteristics. The Commission noted that the pilot did not take into account the longer stopping distance required for a heavier aircraft.