What happened
On 20 August 2021, a collision occurred at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon between a Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17), registration N68427, and a Cessna 182B, registration G-OMAG.
The pilot of the Cessna 182B was flying from Bodmin to Dunkeswell to deliver the aircraft following an inspection. After contacting Dunkeswell Radio for airfield information, the pilot joined the circuit from the dead side, positioning ahead of the other aircraft on final approach for Runway 2XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX22.
Simultaneously, the pilot of the Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17) was performing a local flight and had just completed a touch-and-go landing. As the Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17) flew a curving base leg, it descended onto the Cessna 182B which was already on the runway. The impact caused significant damage to the Cessna 182B, including the engine cowling, wings, and cockpit structure, and resulted in serious injuries to the pilot. The Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17) sustained damage to its propeller, engine, and fuselage fabric.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation established that neither pilot was aware of the other's presence until the very end of the final approach. The pilot of the Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17) was flying a technique to compensate for limited forward visibility, which likely obscured the Cessna 182B.
Investigators examined the Air to Ground Communication Service (AGCS) provided at the aerodrome. While radio operators were present, there was no formal process for monitoring the frequency or handing over the watch when staff were occupied with other duties. Furthermore, the radio operators did not typically relay traffic information to pilots, only runway and pressure settings. The investigation also noted discrepancies between the aerodrome's website instructions and the official AIP regarding circuit joining procedures.
Findings
- The pilot of the Boeing Stearman A75N1(PT17) did not see the Cessna 182B because the aircraft's position was obscured by the Stearman's structure.
- The pilot of the Cessna 182B was not alerted to the presence of the Stearman because the AGCS operator did not pass on traffic information.
- The lack of active monitoring and traffic information relay by the AGCS operator prevented the pilots from being aware of each other's positions.
- The aerodrome's official AIP lacked specific instructions regarding joining the circuit from the dead side, which were present on the operator's website.