Synopsis
At 1131 hrs on 17 July 2023, the pilot of G-TOTN, a Cessna 210M, took off from Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man. The aircraft was later seen to enter a left turn, level its wings, and descend to strike the cliff at Bradda Head. The pilot did not survive. The investigation found no evidence of technical faults that would have prevented avoiding the cliff, and it is likely the accident was a deliberate act. The pilot had been experiencing sleep difficulties and anxiety before the flight.
History of the flight
The pilot arrived at the airport around 0825 hrs and prepared the aircraft. At 1122 hrs he contacted ATC for a local flight, reporting he was the sole occupant. After engine start and taxi, takeoff occurred at 1130 hrs. He flew southwest of the island then along the coast several times. Witnesses noted the aircraft flying lower than usual but sounding normal. At 1155 hrs, near Elby Point, he turned southwest parallel to the coast, positioned about 1 nm offshore until abeam Bradda Head. The aircraft then turned east and flew into the cliff below the tower. The impact was not survivable. During the flight, the pilot made phone calls to a family member indicating he did not intend to return.
Accident site
Bradda Head is a rocky, steep headland rising about 115 m from the sea. G-TOTN struck approximately halfway up a sheer section of cliff, then fell to a smaller ledge about a quarter of the way down. The engine detached and was recovered from the sea with some aircraft parts.
Recorded information
Radar, radiotelephony recordings, and CCTV from Port Erin captured the final moments. The aircraft made a left turn, then descended with wings level at a relatively constant rate before striking the cliff.
Aircraft examination
All major components were present at the site. There was no evidence of pre-impact failure in flight control cables. The engine contained oil, and a significant quantity of fuel was observed.
Medical
The pilot had suffered from sleep difficulties and anxiety in the weeks before the flight. He consulted his GP, who prescribed medication, but did not disclose these issues or the medications to his Aeromedical Examiner (AME). His Class 2 medical had been renewed in January 2023. Had the AME known, the medical certificate would have been suspended.
Analysis
The investigation found no technical failure that would have prevented the aircraft from deviating from its path. The flight path, recorded by radar and CCTV, indicated the aircraft was under control before impact.
Conclusion
The pilot flew G-TOTN directly towards Bradda Head below clifftop level. With no evidence of technical faults and phone calls indicating intent not to return, it is likely the accident was a deliberate act.