What happened
On 27 February 2000, a CFM Shadow, registration EI-CMF, was involved in an accident at a grass airfield in Dunmore, Co. Galway. The aircraft, powered by a Rotax 582 engine, was being prepared for a flight test to facilitate the issuance of a Permit to Fly. Prior to the flight, the pilot, acting as an inspector for the Society of Amateur Aircraft Constructors, had completed a technical inspection and confirmed the aircraft was structurally sound and mechanically fit.
After being transported to the airfield and reassembled, the pilot commenced a flight test consisting of a single circuit. The flight began shortly after 1800 hours in light south-westerly winds. During the initial circuit, the pilot lost visual contact with the airfield. After performing several additional circuits to regain orientation, the pilot initiated a final approach. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a group of ash trees, approximately 35 feet tall, located on the airfield boundary. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate upon hitting the ground, though the cabin pod remained largely intact. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the wreckage unaided.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was operating without a night rating and that the flight took place during the period of twilight. While the pilot had checked weather information earlier in the afternoon, the "end of VFR" (Visual Flight Rules) at the nearby Connaught International Airport was recorded as 1807 hours, shortly after the flight began.
Investigators found that the pilot's visibility decreased significantly during the flight due to the fading light and the presence of nearby cumulo-nimbus clouds. Although one of the aircraft owners had expressed concern regarding the darkness prior to takeoff, the pilot proceeded with the flight. The pilot later noted that the lack of visibility was so severe that he failed to see the treetops during his final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight operations in rapidly declining light conditions.
- The pilot's lack of a night rating and the onset of twilight contributed to spatial disorientation and the loss of visual contact with the airfield.
- The presence of low-level clouds further obscured the horizon and reduced visibility.
- The structural integrity of the cabin pod prevented more severe injuries to the pilot.