What happened
During a departure from the LFOS aerodrome, an aircraft encountered fog approaching from the sea. In an attempt to avoid flying into the fog bank, the pilot performed a sharp turn at a low altitude. During this maneuver, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, resulting in a wing-strike and subsequent impact with the ground.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the BEA, examined the flight sequence and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The inquiry focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the flight path and the impact of the approaching weather on the aircraft's stability during the turn. The investigation established that the pilot's maneuver was a direct response to the visibility decreasing due to the creeping fog.
Findings
Several contributing factors were identified in the accident:
- The pilot failed to adequately account for the risks associated with taking off toward the sea, where wind shear or turbulence may have been present due to the coastal geography.
- There was insufficient consideration of the deteriorating weather conditions, specifically the fog moving in from the sea.
- The pilot may have operated with excessive confidence due to frequent experience flying in similar maritime fog conditions.
- The successful takeoff of a preceding aircraft, which was part of the same planned flight, likely influenced the decision to proceed.