Incident Details
A single-engine aircraft was undertaking a local spraying mission as part of a beetle control program. The flight departed from Krępsko Aerodrome at 1850 local time. Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff, a leak in the atomizer system forced the crew to return to the aerodrome. Repairs were completed and the crew took off again 20 minutes later.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after rotation, at a height of about 50 to 60 meters, the engine surged and experienced vibrations. The crew decided to return to the aerodrome. While maneuvering, the aircraft impacted birch trees and crashed in a wooded area. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. Both pilots were uninjured. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the likely cause of the accident was a leak in the fuel system within the engine compartment. This leak resulted in the fuel supply to the carburetor being cut off, causing the engine to stop. The leaked fuel then ignited upon contact with high-temperature components, leading to a major fire that destroyed the aircraft.