Accident Overview
On 5 June 2014 at 11:35 UTC, a Cessna F172M Skyhawk, registration G-TRAX, struck power cables while on approach to Runway 28 at Derby Airfield. The aircraft was manufactured in 1974 and powered by a single Thielert TAE 125-02-99 piston engine. The flight originated from Glatton Airfield near Peterborough and was conducted as an aerial work flight with a single pilot on board.
Sequence of Events
The pilot joined the visual circuit for Runway 28 at Derby, broadcasting intentions on the Derby Air/Ground frequency. A normal full-flap approach at 60 knots was flown into a headwind of 15 to 20 knots. On short final, the pilot reported encountering wind shear, which caused the aircraft to sink rapidly. Despite corrective action, the aircraft struck power lines crossing the approach path. The cables snapped but became entangled in the propeller, inducing a left yaw before the aircraft impacted the ground short of the runway threshold in a nose-low, right-wing-low attitude. The pilot vacated the aircraft unaided through the right door as airfield rescue and firefighting services arrived.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to both wings, the nose structure, propeller, and nose landing gear. The power lines were also damaged.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, was 30 years old, and had accumulated 915 total flying hours, of which 583 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 108 hours; in the last 28 days, 54 hours. The pilot was uninjured.
Airfield and Approach Information
Derby Airfield is located 6 nautical miles southwest of Derby and features three grass runways. Runway 10/28 is 453 m long with significantly displaced thresholds; the Landing Distance Available for Runway 28 is 261 m, with a threshold displacement of 144 m and threshold elevation of 274 ft. The UK Aeronautical Information Publication noted that telegraph wires/poles (elevation 200 ft) crossed the Runway 28 approach approximately 30 m from the beginning of Runway 28 and 195 m from the displaced threshold. One commercial flight guide cautioned: "Power cables 30' aal on approach to Rwy 28."
Weather Information
Pre-flight weather information obtained for East Midlands Airport indicated a surface wind of 16 kt from 260°, good visibility, and scattered cloud. A 30% probability of winds temporarily increasing to 19 kt and gusting to 29 kt between 1200 and 1600 UTC existed. At 1120 UTC, East Midlands reported surface wind of 10 kt from 280°; at 1150 UTC, 11 kt from 290°. The flying school at Derby reported that the wind did not restrict normal training operations.
Conclusion
The pilot reported that wind shear caused an uncontrollable descent leading to contact with the power cables. No further analysis from the investigation is available in the source.