Synopsis
On 19 July 2022, an Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen, registration G-ENVV, crashed at Newtownards Airfield, County Down. Both occupants, a male and a female pilot, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent fire. The investigation found no defects with the aircraft or engine but noted that the aircraft was being flown in a manner that exposed the occupants and people on the ground to a high risk of an accident.
History of the Flight
The flight began at 1859 UTC when G-ENVV taxied from the apron. After taking off from Runway 33 at 1901, the pilots conducted several circuits, including touch-and-go landings and a full stop landing. Witnesses reported the aircraft flying lower and closer to the airfield than typical, with the engine sounding as though it was struggling at times. The aircraft then performed a low pass parallel to Runway 03 at about 70 ft above ground, followed by a steep right turn over a group of people near a vintage bus. During the turn, the aircraft was seen to descend and hit the ground. Recorded data showed the last data point at 72 ft with 71° angle of bank, 86 kt indicated airspeed, and 1.91 g normal acceleration. Witnesses described the aircraft spiraling or tumbling before impact. The aircraft struck a fence and came to rest inverted over a gorse bush.
Recorded Information
The aircraft was equipped with two EFIS units that recorded flight data at 1 Hz. The recordings stopped about nine seconds before the accident, with the left EFIS ceasing six seconds before the right. This suggests a possible loss of electrical power to the units before impact. The last few seconds of data showed an increase in engine speed, a reduction in airspeed and pitch attitude, and normal acceleration insufficient to maintain level flight at the bank angles flown.
Aerodrome and Aircraft Information
Newtownards Airfield operates as a licensed aerodrome with three asphalt runways. Published circuit height is 1,000 ft aal. The Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen is a high-wing, two-seat light aircraft with a Rotax 912 ULS engine and a three-blade ground-adjustable propeller. G-ENVV was built in 2019 from a fast-build kit.
Investigation Findings
The investigation could not determine why the aircraft descended during the turn. No defects were found with the airframe, engine, or systems. However, the manner of flying—low altitude and steep bank angles—exposed the aircraft to a high risk of accident. Shortcomings in the build process and registration of the ballistic parachute recovery system were identified but did not contribute to the outcome. The Light Aircraft Association and Civil Aviation Authority have taken action to address these issues. Additionally, the CAA identified safety management system shortcomings at the airfield, which have since been addressed.