What happened
On 23 February 2015, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III, registration G-COVB, was conducting a flight for the purpose of a Licence Proficiency Check. The flight involved a pilot under check and a flight examiner. After departing Coventry Airport, the aircraft climbed to approximately 3,000 ft for general handling maneuvers before a simulated engine failure was initiated.
As part of the training, the pilot planned a practice forced landing at Shottes andwell Airfield. The flight profile included an intention to perform a go-around from an altitude no lower than 300 ft. While flying a left-hand circuit and approaching the final position at roughly 500 ft, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence within a strong crosswind. The pilot was unable to stop a rapid descent, causing the aircraft to strike the ground approximately 30 m to the left of Runway 33. The aircraft's right wing made contact with the earth, leading to a cartwheel motion that left the aircraft inverted at the edge of the runway. The impact resulted in one serious injury to a crew member and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation relied on the accident report provided by the pilot and photographic evidence from the site. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. While the initial wind reported at Coventry was 17 kt, subsequent reports indicated that wind speeds had increased, with gusts reaching 30 kt and significant changes in direction. The Met Office forecast had indicated a possibility of increased wind speeds and gusts associated with rain and snow showers.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a simulated engine failure procedure as part of a proficiency check.
- The aircraft encountered extreme turbulence and a strong crosswind during the final approach phase.
- The environmental conditions exceeded the pilot's ability to maintain control of the aircraft during the descent.