On 15 June 2019 at about 10:55 hrs LMT the pilot and, at the same time, the owner of the Yak-52 aeroplane with registration marks SP-YDD, a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, took off for an air show during the VII Płock Aviation Picnic “Płock-2019”. The air show took place over the Vistula River opposite the Płock Old Town. After gaining altitude, the pilot initiated a deliberate spin, from which he did not recover and, after making 12 turns, hit the water surface. As a result of the collision, the pilot died on the spot and the aeroplane was destroyed.
Causes of the accident:
1) Insufficient current training in aerobatic flights;
2) Lack of adequate pilot rest before commencing flight duties;
3) High ambient temperature;
4) Loss of situational awareness, probably due to body weakness.
Read the final report.
