What happened
On 6 August 2016, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-CDER, was conducting a private local flight over the English Channel. After departing Lydd Airport, the pilot initially reported the aircraft was at its target altitude. However, at approximately 1558 hrs, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report engine problems, specifically citing high oil temperature and falling oil pressure.
Shortly after, the pilot reported that the engine was failing and the aircraft could no and no longer maintain altitude. Despite being within gliding distance of the shoreline, the aircraft continued on a course toward the airfield visual reporting point. The aircraft struck the water approximately 1.2 nm from Winchelsea Beach. The impact resulted in one fatality, as the pilot sustained severe injuries. The aircraft subsequently became inverted and sank to the seabed.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the engine, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the cockpit instrumentation. While no mechanical defects were found within the engine itself, investigators identified a chafed wire in the oil temperature indication system. This defect caused the gauge to provide an erroneous reading, showing temperatures far exceeding the maximum limit.
Investigators also analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting that the aircraft was flying in an environment where severe carburettor icing was highly probable. Radar data and witness accounts confirmed the aircraft's descent profile and the flight path taken during the emergency.
Findings
- The engine malfunction was likely caused by carburettor icing, as the aircraft was operating in atmospheric conditions conducive to ice build-up at any power setting.
- An electrical fault caused by a chafed wire led to false indications of extremely high oil temperature, which likely distracted the pilot.
- The pilot's decision to fly toward the airfield rather than toward the nearby land placed the aircraft beyond its gliding range.
- The aircraft struck the water with a high groundspeed due to a strong tailwind and the pilot's failure to turn into the wind or use full flaps to reduce impact speed.