What happened
On July 23, 2025, at approximately 10:12 LMT, an ultralight autogyro, registration SP-XAEP, was performing flights at the Tuszyn landing field. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Due to the insufficient altitude, the pilot determined that returning to the runway was not possible and executed an emergency landing along the runway axis.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft entered soft, boggy terrain, which caused a violent deceleration. This impact resulted in the main rotor making contact with the ground. There was no post-crash fire. The pilot and one passenger were able to exit the cabin on their own. The passenger sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation team collected statements from the participants and performed photographic documentation at the scene. The investigation noted that the control system was so severely deformed and destroyed that it was impossible to examine the continuity of its kinematics or its operational integrity. The wreckage has been secured for further analysis.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a sudden loss of engine power immediately following takeoff.
- The aircraft sustained extensive structural damage, including a broken rotor mast, deformed rotor blades, a broken front landing gear strut, and damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and horizontal stabilizer.
- The landing gear wheel and fork were separated from the strut and found several meters from the wreckage.