Two killed in helicopter crash in southeastern Poland

Two brothers were killed when a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed in southeastern Poland, authorities said.

The incident occurred on November 30 near the village of Cerpis, close to Rzeszów, according to Marcin Betleya, a spokesman for the local fire department. The victims were identified as Mariusz S., 41, and Krzysztof S., 44, Caliber.Az reprts per Polish media. 

Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the crash. Katarzyna Drupka, deputy district prosecutor in Rzeszów, said investigators are considering extreme weather conditions as a primary cause.

“At the time of the accident, thick fog limited visibility to just a few meters,” Drupka said.

Other possible factors include moisture affecting the helicopter’s engine or the pilot losing orientation.

The helicopter, a four-seater Robinson R44, was flying from Krosno to Pereworz. Near Malawa, it reportedly changed course northward, lost altitude, struck tree tops, and crashed in a wooded area at around 3:35 p.m. local time.

Emergency services received a distress call at 3:50 p.m. and reached the site at 4:07 p.m. Challenging terrain, including a slope and marshy ground, forced rescuers to use ATVs to access the wreckage. The bodies of both brothers were found at the scene alongside the burning remains of the helicopter.

Drupka confirmed that documents recovered at the crash site indicated the helicopter had passed a technical inspection by a specialized company the day before the accident.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the crash.

By Sabina Mammadli