Fatal Loss of Control During Low-Altitude Maneuver at Renneritz Airfield

Casualties unknown • Flugplatz Renneritz, DE

A PZL-104 Wilga-35 crashed during a high-risk, low-altitude flight maneuver, resulting in four fatalities.

What happened

On July 18, 2021, a PZL-104 Wilga-35 was performing a flight at the Renneritz airfield. Following two previous sightseeing flights, the pilot initiated a third flight with three passengers. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) in good weather conditions with a noticeable northern wind.

After taking off and climbing to approximately 50 meters above ground level, the pilot executed a steep 18-degree right turn. The aircraft then flew at a constant low altitude along the northern boundary of the airfield. As the pilot attempted a second 180-degree right turn to transition into the final approach, the aircraft's bank angle increased significantly. The aircraft eventually stalled and tumbled over its right wing, striking the ground near the threshold of runway 25. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, resulting in four fatalities.

The investigation

The BFU examined the aircraft, the pilot's medical history, and the flight sequence. The investigation focused on the flight path, which appeared to follow a specific, high-risk maneuver described in older flight manuals as a "circuit at 50m height/AGL." Investigators also performed an autopsy on the pilot to determine if any sudden medical event contributed to the loss of control.

Findings

  • The aircraft was in good technical condition, and no mechanical failures were identified as contributing to the crash.
  • The pilot was performing a highly risky maneuver involving very low altitude and tight turns.
  • The excessive bank angle during the second turn, likely exceeding the recommended 45-degree limit, led to the loss of control.
  • Environmental factors, including a northern crosswind and a reduced turning radius caused by the pilot's proximity to the runway, contributed to the instability.
  • An autopsy revealed that the pilot had significant cardiovascular issues, including advanced atherosclerosis and evidence of a previous myocardial infarction, though no acute medical event was identified as the immediate cause of the crash.

An attempt to avoid the glider launch area may have also influenced the pilot's flight path, further tightening the turn.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft stalling and tumbling due to an excessive bank angle during a high-risk, low-altitude maneuver, exacerbated by a crosswind and a restricted turning radius.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-07-18 Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze „Warszawa-Okecie“ PZL-104 Wilga-35 accident near Flugplatz Renneritz, DE?

A PZL-104 Wilga-35 crashed during a high-risk, low-altitude flight maneuver, resulting in four fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-07-18 involved a Panstwowe Zaklady Lotnicze „Warszawa-Okecie“ PZL-104 Wilga-35, at Flugplatz Renneritz, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft stalling and tumbling due to an excessive bank angle during a high-risk, low-altitude maneuver, exacerbated by a crosswind and a restricted turning radius.

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