History of the Flights
The Denney Kitfox G-TOMZ, piloted by its owner, departed from a private strip at 0752 hrs on a southerly track toward Sandy Airfield, a route regularly flown. The pilot flew at altitudes between 2,000 ft and 4,000 ft at speeds of 70–80 kt. At approximately 0725 hrs, he made a call on the Microlight Common Frequency to inform Sandy Airfield traffic of his approach.
The Cessna F177RG Cardinal G-AZTW, piloted by a co-owner, took off from Fowlmere Airfield around 0720 hrs for Sywell Aerodrome. This route was also regularly flown. The pilot was cruising at approximately 2,700 ft at 130 kt on a heading of 285°, listening to Luton Approach frequency with transponder set to the appropriate squawk. He reported suddenly seeing a red high-wing light aircraft at two to three o'clock, slightly below, at 15–20 ft. Believing a collision imminent, he pulled back and turned left. He felt an impact and the aircraft pitched nose-down severely. He made a Mayday call, regained limited control, and landed safely at Bedford Aerodrome.
Aircraft Information
G-TOMZ was a two-seat high-wing monoplane with a Rotax 912 UL engine, built in 2001, coloured white with red wings and markings. G-AZTW was a four-seat high-wing retractable-gear monoplane with a 200 hp Lycoming engine, built in 1972, white with red and blue markings and an anti-collision light.
Wreckage and Damage
G-TOMZ was found in a stubble field; most wreckage was concentrated in a small area, with parts of the right wing spread over 250 m. The right wing tip fairing had white scuff marks. The aircraft was destroyed.
G-AZTW landed at Bedford Aerodrome with a 12 cm scuff mark on one propeller blade, a 50 cm dent with red witness marks on the lower left cowling, and pieces of G-TOMZ structure in the nose gear door. Extensive damage affected about 75% of the underside of the left horizontal tailplane. A piece of horizontal tailplane tip fairing was found 500 m from G-TOMZ's main wreckage.
Investigation Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the accident occurred because neither pilot saw the other aircraft in sufficient time to take effective avoiding action. Neither aircraft was receiving an ATC service at the time of the collision.
Pilot Information
The pilot of G-TOMZ held a Private Pilot’s Licence rated for microlights, with a valid medical declaration. He was required to wear corrective lenses. He had 990 hours total flying experience, with about 200 hours on type. The pilot of G-AZTW held a Private Pilot’s Licence and a Class 2 medical certificate requiring corrective lenses. He had 1,038 hours total, with 604 hours on type.
Eyewitness Observation
An eyewitness reported seeing an aircraft banking steeply before entering a steep dive, rotating as it descended before disappearing behind bushes. No other aircraft was seen.