What happened
On 14 May 2017, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigation exercise in a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BHNA, returning to Retford Gamston Airfield. The flight had previously included a successful solo circuit earlier in the day, during which the pilot had managed turbulent conditions by flying a higher, longer approach.
Upon returning to the airfield, the pilot approached Runway 21 using a 'deadside' overhead join. While the pilot initially felt the approach was stable, he experienced a sudden loss of control. He described a sensation of a "tremendous force" hitting the side of the aircraft, followed by an uncontrollable roll and a feeling of the aircraft cartwheeling. The aircraft struck the ground to the left of the runway, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot and the aircraft being destroyed.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined eyewitness accounts, radar data, and GPS logs from the pilot's SkyDemon software. There were conflicting reports regarding the aircraft's final moments. One witness observed a gust of wind lifting the right wing, leading to a stall, while the pilot's instructor believed the aircraft pitched up violently before banking left. The air traffic operator also noted a wing drop and subsequent spin.
Analysis of the GPS data indicated the aircraft's groundspeed was higher than the normal approach speed for the type. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's training records, which showed that while go-around practice was noted on the day before the accident, the pilot had not performed a low-level go-around previously. The investigation also considered the possibility of helicopter wake turbulence, though no recent helicopter activity was confirmed by witnesses.
Findings
- The exact sequence of events remains uncertain due to conflicting eyewitness testimonies.
- It is possible that the pilot initiated a go-around which caused an excessive pitch-up, a common occurrence in the Reims Cessna F152 when full power is applied without immediate forward yoke input.
- Alternatively, a strong wind gust may have caused the wing to drop, potentially startling the pilot into an unplanned manoeuvre.
- The pilot's lack of recent, low-level go-around practice may have contributed to the inability to recover the aircraft.