What happened
On 17 August 2008, a Cessna 402C, registration G-EYES, was performing flight calibration training and conducting an ILS approach to Runway 2 and 3 at Coventry Airport. During this approach, the aircraft collided with a Rand KR-2, registration G-BOLZ, which was operating within the visual circuit. The collision took place in Class G uncontrolled airspace, approximately 3.0 nm from the runway threshold. The impact resulted in five fatalities: the four occupants of the Cessna and the single pilot of the Rand KR-2.
The investigation
The investigation established that both aircraft were properly maintained and the crews were appropriately licensed. At the time of the collision, the G-BOLZ was on a constant bearing relative to the G-EYES for roughly three minutes, with the Cessna overtaking the smaller aircraft at a relative speed of approximately 106 kt.
Investigators found that a clerical error had occurred regarding the flight's purpose; while the booking sheet noted ILS calibration work, the flight progress strip was incorrectly marked as Instrument Rating Training (IRT). Consequently, the Aerodrome Controller was unaware of the specific nature of the calibration flight. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the operator had not performed a formal risk analysis for this new flying activity under its Safety Management System.