Event Summary
On 6 December 2025, a pilot holding a PPL(A) license and a UACP qualification certificate conducted a solo flight from EPNT (Nowy Targ) towards the Zakopane region. After approximately 30 minutes, the pilot returned to the airport, joined the third turn of the traffic pattern, and performed an approach to Runway 30. The aircraft touched down near the displaced threshold of Runway 30 (the airport operator had issued a NOTAM shortening the landing distance), with full flaps and an indicated airspeed of approximately 80 km/h. After completing the landing roll, while exiting the runway onto a taxiway, the nose wheel entered a rut, causing the nose gear leg to break. The propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft tipped forward onto its nose on the grassy airfield surface, coming to a sudden stop. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the aircraft was damaged.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation determined two causes for the serious incident:
1. Excessive taxi speed of the aircraft over uneven runway surface near the exit from the runway onto the taxiway, which generated destructive load on the nose gear leg.
2. Insufficient condition of the runway surface, which was difficult to maintain under winter conditions.
No preventive actions were proposed, and no safety recommendations were issued.
Investigation
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reviewed the submitted materials and concluded the information was sufficient and unambiguous, deciding to close the investigation.