A Robinson R44 helicopter crashed on Mount Lubogoszcz in the Beskid Wyspowy range, killing 30-year-old pilot and former volleyball player Błażej Czarnecki, with initial findings suggesting atmospheric conditions caused the fatal accident.
Fatal Crash Findings
The wreckage of the Robinson R44 Raven II was discovered Thursday morning on the slopes of Mount Lubogoszcz. The body of 30-year-old pilot Błażej Czarnecki was found nearby, with his identity confirmed by Chełm Mayor Jakub Banaszek.
Commercial Flight Details
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Limanowa is investigating the incident. Authorities confirmed the helicopter was performing a commercial flight returning from Hungary, was properly registered, and the pilot possessed all necessary licenses.
High-Speed Impact and Technical Data
While the aircraft lacked a flight data recorder, onboard equipment data showed the helicopter was traveling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h upon impact. Recovery operations in the difficult, mountainous terrain lasted several hours, involving the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation.
Cause of the Accident
The prosecutor’s office stated that preliminary findings indicate the crash resulted from the pilot losing orientation due to heavy fog, nighttime conditions, and excessive speed. A formal autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Krakow.
