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Mid-air collision of G-CCZV and G-BZBS near Elstree Aerodrome

near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB

On September 30, 2016, a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior and Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III (registration G-CCZV and G-BZBS) was involved in an aviation accident near near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is likely that the poor into-sun visibility, the constant angle between the tracks of the aircraft, and the fact that the attention of both pilots was inside their respective cockpits before the collision, contributed to the breakdown of the see-and-avoid… This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

Two Piper PA-28 aircraft collided in mid-air near Elstree Aerodrome on 30 September 2016. Neither pilot saw the other in time to avoid the collision, resulting in minor damage to both aircraft. No injuries were reported.

History of the Flight

On 30 September 2016 at 1443 UTC, two Piper PA-28 aircraft were on converging tracks near Elstree Aerodrome in Hertfordshire. G-CCZV, a PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior operated by a student pilot on a training navigation exercise from Leicester Airport to Elstree, was flying at approximately 2,000 ft on a heading of 148°M with a pressure setting of 1010 hPa. The pilot reported excellent visibility and could see the aerodrome. He contacted Elstree Information and, while setting the QFE (999 hPa) on the altimeter inside the cockpit, heard a "substantial thump" and saw a "flash" of an aircraft passing by. He continued to Elstree and landed without further incident.

G-BZBS, a PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III on a private flight from Stapleford Aerodrome to White Waltham Aerodrome, was at 2,200 ft on a track of 274°M with a pressure setting of 1021 hPa. The pilot was flying towards a bright low sun, which reduced visibility in his direction of flight. While looking at his map to verify his position before calling Farnborough LARS, he saw a "flash" overhead and felt an impact. He declared a PAN on the Farnborough LARS frequency and diverted to Elstree, landing without further incident.

Damage

After landing, G-CCZV was found to have damage to its left landing gear, wheel, and tyre. G-BZBS had a bent propeller blade and tyre marks on the left wing upper surface. Examination indicated that G-BZBS's propeller blade struck G-CCZV's left wheel and tyre, and G-CCZV's left tyre then struck the upper surface of G-BZBS's wing.

Assessment

The aircraft were flying straight and level at constant speed and altitude. Their tracks were approximately 148°M and 274°M, giving a closing angle of about 54°, which would have remained constant. Neither pilot saw the other aircraft in time to take avoiding action. The AAIB assessment stated that it is likely that the poor into-sun visibility, the constant angle between the tracks of the aircraft, and the fact that both pilots' attention was inside their respective cockpits before the collision contributed to the breakdown of the see-and-avoid principle for flight in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

Probable cause

It is likely that the poor into-sun visibility, the constant angle between the tracks of the aircraft, and the fact that the attention of both pilots was inside their respective cockpits before the collision, contributed to the breakdown of the see-and-avoid principle.
Midair collision

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2016 Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior and Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III accident near near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB?

Two Piper PA-28 aircraft collided in mid-air near Elstree Aerodrome on 30 September 2016. Neither pilot saw the other in time to avoid the collision, resulting in minor damage to both aircraft. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2016 Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior and Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2016 involved a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior and Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III, registration G-CCZV and G-BZBS, at near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is likely that the poor into-sun visibility, the constant angle between the tracks of the aircraft, and the fact that the attention of both pilots was inside their respective cockpits before the collision, contributed to the breakdown of the see-and-avoid principle.

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