What happened
On 15 September 2007, a Hawker Hurricane Mk XII (IIb), registration G-HURR, was participating in a flying display at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex. The aircraft was engaged in a tail chase maneuver, following a lead Hurricane. Both aircraft initially flew past spectators at a height of approximately 200 ft before climbing towards the northwest.
While the lead aircraft performed a climbing maneuver that included a 45-degree nose-up pitch and a left roll, the pilot of G-HURR attempted to follow a similar sequence. However, the second aircraft maintained a lower altitude of approximately 700 ft and did not achieve sufficient nose-up pitch. As the aircraft reached an inverted position, the roll ceased, the nose dropped, and the aircraft entered a steep dive. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 1 nm north-west of the airfield, resulting in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft by impact and fire.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the display briefings. The investigation established that the pilot had previously flown the aircraft in Jersey just two days prior without incident. The aircraft's controls, engine, and propeller were examined, and the investigation also reviewed the organizational management of the airshow and the specific display authorizations held by the pilots.
Findings
- The accident was likely caused by the pilot attempting an unplanned rolling maneuver.
- Although the aircraft had adequate airspeed, the pilot failed to establish a sufficient nose-up pitch attitude to safely execute the maneuver within the available altitude.
- Once the aircraft reached the inverted position, the roll stopped and the nose dropped rapidly, leaving insufficient height for the pilot to recover from the resulting dive.