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Tragic crash. Polish pilot killed in M-346 Bielik incident at Gdynia Airport

13.07.2024 07:00
The M-346 Bielik crashed into the runway at Gdynia Babie Doły Airport on Friday. The pilot died at the scene.
Military aircraft accident during training. Major Pilot Robert Killer Jeł, aboard the Bielik, a training aircraft M-346 Master, was preparing for a display planned for Saturday at Gdynia Airport, marking the 30th anniversary of the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade.
Military aircraft accident during training. Major Pilot Robert "Killer" Jeł, aboard the Bielik, a training aircraft M-346 Master, was preparing for a display planned for Saturday at Gdynia Airport, marking the 30th anniversary of the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade.(sko) PAP/Andrzej Jackowski

The fatal accident took place at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday at Gdynia Babie Doły Airport, where Major Pilot Robert "Killer" Jeł, aboard the M-346 Master training aircraft Bielik, was preparing for a display commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade.

Air Force Inspector General Ireneusz Nowak confirmed that Major Jeł, also serving as deputy squadron commander, tragically died at the scene without attempting ejection.

"The pilot, a major who served as deputy squadron commander, died at the scene. He did not attempt to eject," said Air Force Inspector General Ireneusz Nowak during a conference at the Tactical Air Force Base in Łask.

In response, all activities planned for the anniversary were canceled, and flights on the M-346, including training and demonstration flights, have been suspended pending investigation by authorities from Poznań's State Aviation Accident Investigation Commission, the Military Gendarmerie, and the prosecutor's office.

The military will extend support and assistance to the family of the deceased pilot. "He has gone on Eternal Guard" - wrote the General Command of the Armed Forces.

Source: PAP

(mp)