What happened
On 21 August 2023, a Piper PA-28-180, registration G-AYUH, departed Old Buckenham Airfield in Norfolk for a planned training flight to Earls Colne Airfield in Essex. The flight began under clear skies, but as the aircraft approached its destination, it encountered deteriorating meteorological conditions.
At approximately 0805 hrs, the pilot contacted Earls Colne Radio to request airfield information. While the radio operator provided standard details such as wind and pressure, the presence of fog at the airfield was not communicated. As the aircraft approached the area, it entered a zone of thick fog and low cloud. The pilot subsequently transmitted that he was entering heavy fog and was attempting to turn back toward Old Bucken and return to his origin.
During this maneuvering, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled state. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, attempting to stay beneath the cloud layer. The aircraft eventually struck trees and terrain near Stanley Hall, resulting in a significant post-accident fire. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained one fatal injury.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed no pre-existing defects, and confirmed the engine was producing power at the time of impact. Meteorological analysis revealed that while satellite imagery and forecasts indicated a risk of fog, the pilot did not appear to have consulted these specific services prior to departure.
Investigators also looked into the communication between the pilot and the airfield. It was established that the radio operators at Earls Colne did not report the fog because they believed their professional certification (ROCC) did not permit them to relay unofficial weather observations to pilots. Furthermore, the pilot had not called the airfield on the morning of the flight to confirm weather conditions, as had been suggested the previous evening.
Findings
- The aircraft entered meteorological conditions that were incompatible with Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
- The pilot lacked the necessary instrument training and currency to safely manage the aircraft after encountering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- The radio operators failed to alert the pilot to the hazardous fog at the airfield due to a misunder
standing of their regulatory responsibilities.
- The pilot's decision-making may have been influenced by a perceived pressure to meet a CAA-directed training deadline.
Safety action
Following the accident, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a Safety Notice and updated guidance to ensure radio operators understand their responsibility to provide flight safety messages regarding hazardous weather. The operator of Earls Colne Airfield has also implemented new procedures to encourage pilots to verify weather conditions on the day of flight and to ensure radio staff provide visibility updates to inbound aircraft.