What happened
On 3 September 2021, a student pilot was conducting solo visual circuits at Cranfield Airport, Bedfordshire, in a DA 40 NG, registration G-CTSR. During the first circuit, the pilot identified that the approach was too high and fast. Following standard procedures, the pilot elected to execute a go-around.
During the maneuver, the pilot believed that full power had been applied; however, the aircraft failed to climb as expected. To prevent a loss of airspeed, the pilot lowered the nose, which caused the aircraft to descend. As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to adjust the flap settings to improve performance. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued to lose altitude and eventually struck the airport perimeter hedge before coming to rest in a nearby field. The pilot sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's integrated electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) to reconstruct the flight path. The data revealed that while the aircraft initially pitched up, the indicated airspeed dropped from 100 kt to 68 kt. Crucially, the EFIS recorded that engine power remained stable at approximately 13% throughout the go-around, contradicting the pilot's belief that full power had been selected.
To determine if a mechanical fault was responsible, the engine control unit was analyzed by the manufacturer. The investigation established that there were no electrical failures and all engine parameters were within the normal operating range. The manufacturer concluded that the engine and its control system were functioning correctly, leaving no identifiable reason why the power did not increase despite the pilot's input.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the engine power remained at only 13% during the go-around, providing insufficient performance to maintain altitude.
- The pilot's lack of experience contributed to the event, as focus was diverted toward managing flap settings and addressing the lack of climb rather than prioritizing the application of full power.
- The pilot's decision to lower the nose to maintain airspeed resulted in a controlled descent that ultimately led to the impact.