What happened
On 7 April 2015, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-CEDR, was performing private flight practice at Newtownards Airport. The pilot was conducting visual circuits when the wind direction necessitated a change in the active runway to Runway 04.
Approximately fifty minutes into the flight, following a touch-and-go landing, witnesses observed the engine power increase significantly. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft entered a left-hand climbing turn at a low altitude. As the aircraft continued its ascent, the angle of bank increased steadily. At a height of between 80 and 100 feet, the nose dropped, and the aircraft descended into the grass to the left of the runway in a steep, nose-down attitude. The pilot sustained one fatal injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and recovered approximately 45 litres of fuel, which was confirmed to meet MOGAS specifications. Engineering inspections of the engine and fuel systems found no evidence of pre-existing defects or restrictions. While the aircraft's shoulder harness attachment fitting failed during the impact, testing confirmed the fitting was capable of exceeding its design requirements and failed only due to the extreme loads of the crash.
CCTV and photographic evidence provided critical insights into the final moments of the flight. CCTV footage showed the aircraft pitching up and beginning to roll left immediately after the touch-and-go. Subsequent photographs captured the aircraft in a steep bank of 70 to 90 degrees, with ailerons deflected in an attempt to correct the roll.
Medical analysis focused on the pilot's health. A post-mortem examination revealed an enlarged heart. While no definitive pathological evidence was found to prove a medical event, investigators noted that such a condition could potentially cause sudden distraction or incapacitation.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude following an increasing left-hand roll.
- There was no evidence of mechanical failure, fuel contamination, or pre-existing defects in the flight controls or engine.
- The pilot did not intervene sufficiently to correct the increasing left roll, which may have been caused by sudden incapacitation related to a cardiac condition.