Accident Overview
On 6 September 2017, a Piper PA-31 twin-engine aircraft, registration N250AC, crashed at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd, at 1723 UTC. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire.
Flight History
The pilot departed from a private airstrip in Cheshire at 1653 UTC, en route to Dublin Weston Airport. About 20 minutes into the flight, at 1718 UTC, the pilot radioed London Information to report pitch control problems with the elevator and declared a diversion to Caernarfon Airport as a precaution. The aircraft had been climbing and was at approximately 4,200 ft amsl when the issue was reported. Radar data showed the aircraft tracking towards Caernarfon, with groundspeed increasing to about 175 kt.
Accident Sequence
CCTV footage captured the final seconds. The aircraft approached Runway 25 at high speed, with landing gear and flaps retracted, and no noticeable flare. Eyewitnesses described the approach as faster and lower than usual, with side-to-side rocking and high-pitched engine noise. The aircraft struck the runway heavily, bounced, rolled through almost 360° around its longitudinal axis, then impacted again and slid, erupting in fire. It came to rest nine seconds after initial impact. Rescue and firefighting services arrived five minutes later.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed the elevator trim was in a significantly nose-down position. The reason for this could not be determined, but it likely caused considerable difficulty in maintaining control. The extensive fire damage and limited recorded information hampered a definitive cause determination. The possibility of a trim runaway was considered. The aircraft’s weight and balance were within limits, and sufficient fuel was onboard. The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot’s Licence and medical certificate, with over 4,000 hours of flying experience.
Safety Action
As a result of this accident, the CAA and EASA are promoting awareness for trim runaways.