Accident
A single-engine aircraft was conducting local skydiving operations from Olsztyn Airport. After a successful flight, the crew initiated a return to the airfield. While on short final approach, the engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude, collided with trees, and crashed in a wooded area. The wreckage came to rest approximately 200 metres short of the runway. Both pilots sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
The official investigation identified multiple findings related to the accident. The engine malfunction was attributed to a fuel shortage. The crew failed to monitor the fuel gauge during the flight. In addition, poor crew coordination was noted, and the crew did not respond with appropriate action when the warning light indicating a lack of fuel illuminated.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was determined to be an engine malfunction due to fuel shortage, compounded by the crew's lack of fuel gauge monitoring, poor coordination, and failure to act upon the fuel warning light.