What happened
On 23 April 2016, a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, registration G-ATXD, was conducting a private flight when it inadvertently landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The pilot, who was experienced with the Kemble aerodrome, intended to fly to Kemble but instead navigated to the nearby RAF Fairford airfield.
During the approach, the pilot communicated with Kemble Information, stating an intention to join the right-hand downwind for Runway 08. While flying, the pilot observed a runway that appeared to be Kemble, as the bearing and distance from the current position were nearly identical to the pilot's expected route. The pilot proceeded with the landing, only realizing the error upon touchdown at the incorrect airfield.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot's error was driven by a false hypothesis. Because the visual cues of the runway at Fairford matched the pilot's expectations for Kemble, the pilot did not verify his actual location. This error was further compounded by a distraction; the pilot was occupied with explaining pre-landing procedures and checks to the two passengers on board.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the specific arrival procedure—joining the downwind leg—limited the pilot's ability to cross-reference his position against his intended destination during the overhead phase of the flight.
Findings
- The pilot experienced confirmation bias, leading him to accept the visual sighting of the runway as proof of being at the correct airfield.
- The pilot was distracted by interacting with passengers during the approach.
- The arrival pattern used prevented an earlier opportunity to detect the navigational error.