Mid-air collision between two Piper aircraft near Elstree Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB

Two Piper aircraft collided in uncontrolled airspace near Elstree Aerodrome after both pilots were looking inside their cockpits at the moment of impact.

What happened

On 30 September 2016, two Piper aircraft, a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior (registration G-CCZV) and a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III (registration G-BZBS), were involved in a mid-air collision near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire.

The student pilot operating G-CCZV was conducting a navigation exercise from Leicester Airport. While flying towards Elstree at approximately 2,000 ft, the pilot contacted Elstree Information and subsequently looked inside the cockpit to adjust the altimeter settings. During this period, the pilot heard a heavy impact against the left side of the aircraft. Following the collision, the pilot continued the flight and landed at Elstray without further incident, though the aircraft sustained damage to the left landing gear, wheel, and tyre.

Simultaneously, the pilot of G-BZBS was flying from Stapleford Aerodrome to White Waltham Aerodrome. While navigating at 2,200 ft, the pilot was flying towards a low sun, which was reducing visibility. While checking a map, the pilot experienced an impact and observed a flash overhead. The pilot declared a PAN on the Farnborough LARS frequency and diverted to Elstree Aerodrome, where the aircraft landed safely. The collision caused a bent propeller blade and tyre marks on the left wing upper surface.

The investigation

The investigation established that the two aircraft were on intersecting tracks with a closing angle of approximately 54 degrees. The investigation determined that the propeller of G-BZBS struck the left wheel and tyre of G-CCZV, after which the tyre made contact with the upper surface of the wing of G-BZBS.

Findings

  • The collision occurred because neither pilot observed the other aircraft in time to perform evasive maneuvers.
  • At the moment of impact, the pilot of G-CCZV was focused on adjusting altimeter settings inside the cockpit.
  • The pilot of G-BZBS was focused on a map and was also facing a low sun, which significantly hindered visibility in the direction of flight.
  • The constant closing angle of the two aircraft's tracks contributed to the difficulty in detecting the approaching aircraft.

Probable cause

The mid-air collision was caused by a failure of the see-and-avoid principle, as both pilots were looking inside their cockpits and/or facing sun glare at the time of the encounter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-09-30 Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior and Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III accident near near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB?

Two Piper aircraft collided in uncontrolled airspace near Elstree Aerodrome after both pilots were looking inside their cockpits at the moment of impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-09-30 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?

The mid-air collision was caused by a failure of the see-and-avoid principle, as both pilots were looking inside their cockpits and/or facing sun glare at the time of the encounter.

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