What happened
On August 3, 2025, a Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter, registration SP-HSB, was engaged in a private flight involving several stops across the Radom region. After performing a pre-flight inspection and a brief test flight at Radom Piastów (EPRP), the pilot conducted several legs of the flight, landing at private properties in Rzechów and Rzeczyków.
At approximately 18:10 LMT, the pilot and a passenger departed for Błaziny Górne. While approaching a landing site in an unprepared field near Iłża, the pilot flew a southwest course. The pilot had previously cleared a high-voltage power line positioned perpendicularly to the flight path. However, while descending at a speed of 55-60 kts and an altitude of approximately 7-9 meters, the aircraft struck a low-voltage power line.
The impact caused an electrical arc and the power lines slid along the fuselage, tearing the skid landing gear from the aircraft. This led to an uncontrolled attitude. Despite the pilot's attempts to recover the aircraft, the helicopter struck the ground, causing the main rotor blades to strike the earth and the tail boom, including the Fenestron, to break off. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospitals in Skarżysko Kamienna and Radom.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the wreckage at the accident site and, in coordination with the Prosecutor's Office, secured the aircraft in the owner's hangar. The investigation confirmed that all damage to the Guimbal Cabri G2 was a direct result of the contact with the power lines and the subsequent ground impact. No pre-existing damage to the engine or transmission system was identified. The investigation also noted that the sun was low on the horizon during the approach, which may have impacted visibility.