What happened
On March 20, 2026, an AT-3 R100, registration SP-TPC, operated by Aero Sp. z o.o., was conducting a solo flight for PPL(A) training purposes at Warsaw Babice airport. Following a successful flight with an instructor, the student pilot was permitted to perform a solo repetition of a maneuver in the Zegrze Reservoir area. The flight proceeded normally through the return to the aerodrome via point Juliet.
During the landing phase on runway 28, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and an approach speed of approximately 6 and 60 kt. The landing resulted in a long touchdown and a hard impact on the main landing gear, causing the aircraft to bounce. In an attempt to execute a go-around, the pilot applied full throttle. However, due to the low airspeed and the rapid increase in power, the aircraft lost stability and experienced a severe roll to the left wing. The left wingtip made contact with the runway surface, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and crash at approximately 16:08 local time. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, which the student pilot managed to extinguish independently after exiting the cockpit.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation team collected statements from the participants, verified the pilot's credentials, and reviewed the aircraft's documentation. The team performed a physical inspection of the wreckage, took photographic documentation, checked the continuity of the control system, and secured a fuel sample. No mechanical defects capable of contributing to the accident were identified during these inspections. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar for potential further study.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a torn left wing, a partially detached aileron, a broken nose gear strut, and a fractured fuselage structure.
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of stability during the go-around maneuver caused by the combination of low airspeed and a sudden application of full power, leading to a wingtip strike.