Preliminary Report on Dromader Firefighting Crash

4 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Preliminary report details the Dromader crash Solska Forest during a firefighting mission on May 5, and outlines the investigation steps.

The State Commission released a preliminary report after a Dromader crash Solska Forest during firefighting on May 5. The report reconstructs the flight and confirms the pilot died at the scene.

Table of Contents

Timeline of the operation

The PZL M18B aircraft remained based at Warsaw-Babice. Consequently, controllers tasked it to support firefighting near Biłgoraj at 18:33. The ground mechanic loaded roughly 1,900 litres of water. Moreover, the pilot completed a standard pre-flight check. Therefore, he departed at 19:10 toward the fire area. He kept radio contact with FIS air traffic information services. However, he could not initially find the reported blaze. In addition, FIS guided him to a point east of Biłgoraj. After nearly twenty minutes of searching, he found the fire. Meanwhile, he performed a reconnaissance pass along the fire line ahead of a water drop. Then he began a drop run. Consequently, the plane entered a steep dive and hit tree tops. Finally, at 20:40 the aircraft struck the ground and burned when fuel ignited.

Dromader crash Solska Forest: what investigators did

The investigative team from the State Commission secured the crash site quickly. Moreover, firefighters nearby contained the post-impact fire. The team collected flight documents and operator records. In addition, they removed devices that could record flight parameters. They also seized a tablet and a mobile phone from the cockpit. Therefore, investigators can reconstruct aircrew actions and system data. The report stresses the document is preliminary. Consequently, it does not yet state a cause. Investigators will probe why the crew lost control during a firefighting pass. Moreover, they will check weather, aircraft systems, and human factors. In addition, maintenance records show the aircraft had valid registration and airworthiness documents. The plane logged 3,443 hours of flight time. Meanwhile, the pilot held a valid airline pilot licence and medical certificate. He had many years of flying experience.

Why this matters for residents and expats

Wildfire response uses low-level flight over forests. Therefore, the work carries inherent risk for crews. Moreover, such accidents affect local airspace and emergency services. Consequently, authorities may impose temporary flight restrictions near incidents. In addition, residents and visitors should obey closure orders. However, some expats might not know how Polish emergency systems work. For example, ZUS handles social insurance benefits (similar to social security). NFZ manages public healthcare (national health fund). In addition, PESEL serves as a national ID number for residents. Meanwhile, a “mandat” means a fine issued by police or municipal officers. Therefore, carry basic documents when you travel near forest areas, and follow official advice.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live or travel near forests, stay clear of active firefighting zones. In addition, expect road or airspace restrictions and obey safety cordons. If you need emergency help, dial 112 for EU emergency services. For administrative follow-up after an incident, use your PESEL if you have one (national ID number). Moreover, if you are not registered, bring passport and residence documents. Finally, know that employers and insurers may contact ZUS or NFZ for benefits and medical records.

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