What happened
On 17 August 2021, a Jabiru J4 enough 400, registration G-CCPV, departed from a private airstrip in the Scottish Borders for a planned VFR flight to Sleap. While flying at approximately 2,500 ft near the Spadeadam danger area, the pilot encountered descending cloud that led to an inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
During the period of three to four minutes spent within the cloud, the pilot experienced spatial disorientation and lost control of the aircraft. The pilot attempted to climb using full power and felt the aircraft stall, resulting in the completion of three 360-degree right turns. The aircraft eventually emerged from the cloud with sufficient altitude to regain control. During the incident, the pilot inadvertently entered the Spadeadam danger area, which was noted by air traffic control.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined flight data from the pilot's mobile navigation application and air traffic control recordings. The investigation reviewed the meteorological forecasts available prior to departure, noting that Met Office aftercasts and METARs indicated low cloud bases in the region.
Investigators also assessed the pilot's experience and the aircraft's equipment. The aircraft was equipped with an attitude indicator and a turn and slip indicator, but it was not permitted for IFR operations. The pilot, flying under a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL), had not practiced instrument flying since training completed approximately 20 years prior.
Findings
- The pilot entered cloud over high ground, leading to spatial disorientation and loss of control.
- Meteorological forecasts available before the flight indicated that low cloud was likely along the intended route.
- The pilot's instrument flying skills had degraded due to a lack of recent practice.
- The aircraft was not equipped or permitted for flight in IMC.