What happened
On 24 March 2022, a Flight Design CT2K, registration G-CBDJ, was conducting a private flight from Temple Bruer airstrip to Beccles Aerodrome. During the flight, the pilot briefly returned to the departure airfield to resolve a minor issue, which was later reported as resolved.
As the aircraft approached Beccles, witnesses observed an unstable approach in terms of pitch and roll. The aircraft touched down on its main wheels approximately 50 metres from the threshold but subsequently bounced. Following a second touchdown on the nosewheel, the aircraft pitched up to an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Witnesses noted that the aircraft appeared to climb away, but there was no audible increase in engine power. The aircraft then veered left, rolled to a 9/0-degree bank, and struck the ground in a nearby field. The pilot sustained one fatal injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and the aircraft's multi-function display (MFD) data. The investigation confirmed that the engine was functioning normally prior to the accident and that the flight controls and flaps were intact. The MFD data indicated the aircraft was flying at speeds between 60 and 70 KIAS during the final approach.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's flying history and the regulatory framework surrounding the Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) scheme. The pilot was an experienced flyer with over 2,600 hours, though he was 87 years old and had expressed intentions to retire from flying in the near future. The investigation also looked into the processes for microlight class rating revalidation for pilots holding licences issued before 2008.
Findings
- The aircraft bounced during the landing phase and likely entered a stall due to a significant nose-up attitude without sufficient power being applied to recover.
- The pilot was experienced and in recent practice, but the landing deviated from the intended plan.
- Potential age-related deterioration in human performance could have been a contributing factor, although no medical incapacitation was found.
- There is a lack of independent professional assessment for certain microlight pilots who revalidate their ratings solely through experience without instructor oversight.
- The current PMD system lacks sufficient guidance for pilots and medical professionals regarding the translation of driving medical standards to aviation.
Safety action
- Safety Recommendation 2024-007: The CAA should provide comprehensive guidance for pilots on medical factors for the PMD.
- Safety Recommendation 2024-008: The CAA should provide guidance for medical professionals to promote awareness of PMD medical standards.
- Safety Recommendation 2024-009: The CAA should engage with the DVLA to ensure the PMD scheme is as effective as the driving licence management process.
- Safety Recommendation 2024-010: The CAA should assess the appropriateness of revalidating microlight ratings based solely on experience.