Robinson R44 accident near Wygonin, Pl, September 13, 2013
On September 13, 2013 at about 7:50 am local time, a 2008 Robinson R44 (helicopter), registered SPWNP, was destroyed in an accident during maneuvering (low-alt flying) near Wygonin. 3 people were killed. The weather was instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- September 13, 2013 · about 7:50 am local time
- Place
- Wygonin, Poland · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 3 people were killed.
- Weather
- instrument conditions (cloud, fog or low visibility)
- Aircraft
- Robinson R44 II, built 2008 · all R44s on the register
- Registration
- SPWNP · no longer on the register · serial 12507
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Flight
- Flight
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On September 13, 2013, about 0750 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, SP-WNP, impacted terrain near Wygonin, Poland. A postimpact fire ensued. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed. The flight departed Borcz, Poland, and was destined for Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport, Bydgoszcz, Poland. The accident investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Government of Poland. This report is for information purposes only and contains only information released by or obtained from the Government of Poland. Further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: State Commission of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Chalubinskiego 4/6 00-928 Warsaw, Poland Office phone: +48 22 630 11 41 FAX: +48 22 630 11 17 www.transport.gov.pl/pkbwl
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Unknown or undetermined during maneuvering (low-alt flying) defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during maneuvering (low-alt flying)
The aircraft
- Maximum gross weight: 2,401 lb
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming IO-540 SER (piston); 0 hours total
- Fire on the ground
Weather at the time
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 300 ft; ovct at 300 ft
- Temperature: 55°F (13°C), dew point 55°F (13°C)
- Altimeter: 29.92 inHg
- Observation at 7:30 am from EPGD, 27 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.