Incident
On 23 June 2019, two light aircraft participating in a charity event at White Waltham Airfield collided in flight near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The aircraft were a Fuji FA-200-180 Aero Subaru (G-HAMI) and a Cessna 172R Skyhawk (G-BXGV). Both were conducting air experience flights for disabled children and their carers. The collision was initially perceived as a near miss, but post-landing inspection revealed damage to the Cessna's right wingtip. Both aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Equipment
G-HAMI, a low-wing aircraft built in 1973, was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-B1B engine. G-BXGV, a high-wing aircraft built in 1997, was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-L2A engine. Both aircraft had serviceable transponders squawking code 7000, but no secondary radar returns were recorded on the ground. Neither aircraft was equipped with any form of Electronic Conspicuity device. G-BXGV's pilot used an electronic navigation aid; G-HAMI's pilot did not.
Flight History
Eight aircraft participated in the event. The route was a counterclockwise circuit via visual reporting points November, Whiskey, Sierra, and back to White Waltham. Clouds were scattered at about 1,700 ft amsl, visibility exceeded 10 km, and Runway 07 was in use.
G-HAMI took off at about 0940 hrs with one disabled child and a carer. The pilot turned right downwind and proceeded west, then north toward Point November. He changed frequency to listen on a Lower Airspace Radar Service. About 3 nm southeast of November, he felt a bump he attributed to an air pocket. He landed uneventfully at about 1015 hrs.
G-BXGV took off at 0952 hrs with two disabled children and one adult carer. One child became unsettled before engine start but was reassured. The pilot remained on White Waltham's A/G frequency. After takeoff, the child became vocal, prompting the pilot to shorten the route toward Henley-on-Thames. While straight and level, he saw a red aircraft above and behind, converging. He lost sight of it behind the high wing, then saw it again at his 1 to 2 o'clock position before it descended. He filed an Airprox and landed at 1009 hrs.
After landing, the pilot of G-BXGV approached G-HAMI's pilot about a close encounter, stating they came within 20 to 50 ft and he felt propwash. G-HAMI's pilot had not seen the other aircraft. After a subsequent flight, G-BXGV's pilot noticed damage to the right wingtip and informed G-HAMI's pilot that a collision had occurred.
Investigation
The investigation found that the pilot of G-BXGV was asked to conduct the pilots' briefing at short notice, as the usual briefer was unavailable. The briefing did not cover how aircraft would be deconflicted or how they would communicate. The airfield did not apply for an Airspace Coordination Notice (ACN). Neither aircraft had Electronic Conspicuity. The airfield has since taken safety actions, including conducting risk assessments and ensuring a responsible person is available for future briefings.
Examination of G-BXGV's wingtip indicated that a tyre from G-HAMI made contact just inboard of the tip. G-HAMI showed no damage. The damaged wingtip was repaired before AAIB examination.
Pilot Information
The commander of G-HAMI, aged 68, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 531 total hours (322 on type). His last 90 days included 5 hours. The commander of G-BXGV, aged 76, held a Private Pilot's Licence with 890 total hours (830 on type). His last 90 days included 6 hours.