Fatal Light Aircraft Crash at Bemowo Airport Leads to Investigation

A Cirrus SR22 light aircraft crashed at the Bemowo airport in Warsaw on Thursday, resulting in two fatalities and one injury after the plane struck a structure during its landing approach.

The Final Moments of Flight

The single-engine Cirrus SR22 departed from Wrocław-Strachowice airport earlier on Thursday. According to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw, witnesses reported that the engine was operating normally as the plane passed over the tower, with no distress calls issued by the pilot.

Witnesses observed the aircraft turn over the runway during its landing approach before striking the ground near a shed, which triggered an immediate explosion. Trainees from the Polish Automobile Club were present in the area at the time of the incident.

Casualties and Emergency Response

The District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the fatalities include the pilot and a young trainee, believed to be a soldier from a local unit. A second trainee was injured and transported to the hospital. Bystanders attempted to extinguish the fire using portable extinguishers.

One witness described the impact to Gazeta Wyborcza, stating that the plane flew with its wing tilted downward, hitting a temporary tent used by students for shade before colliding with a metal-roofed structure.

Prosecution and Investigation

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw has initiated an investigation into the violation of air traffic safety regulations. Authorities have completed an initial inspection of the crash site and interviewed several witnesses.

Due to the severe thermal damage to the bodies, officials have only been able to determine the gender of the victims so far. Further efforts to confirm identities and scheduled autopsies are currently underway.