What happened
On August 9, 2025, a Robinson R4SS Raven II, registration I-9248, was conducting sightseeing flights during a family festival organized by the Pólko-Ostrówek Volunteer Fire Department in Pólko, Poland. Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter's skid struck medium-voltage power lines, causing the wires to snap. Portions of the severed lines remained entangled in the aircraft's skids, while other segments fell onto a nearby local road and a low-voltage power line.
The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers, including two adults and one child. Following the strike, the pilot aborted the flight and returned to the takeoff site. After the engine was shut down, ground personnel removed the wire fragments from the skids. The pilot, along with ground crew and two containers—likely containing fuel—subsequently departed the scene in an unknown direction.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established significant regulatory violations regarding both the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's registration status. The pilot held a qualification certificate issued by the Aero Club d’Italia, which only authorized the operation of single-seat ultralight helicopters; the Robinson R44 Raven II involved in the incident does not meet these limitations. Furthermore, the investigation determined that the aircraft, registration I-9248, was not listed in the aircraft register of the Italian Republic.
Due to the fact that the aircraft was being operated by an unauthorized person and was being used in violation of existing regulations, the PKBWL decided to decline a full investigation into the incident.
Safety action
The PKBWL has notified the prosecutor's office and the President of the Polish Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) regarding suspected violations of criminal law.