What happened
On 28 October 2014, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-CHIK, was conducting a solo navigation exercise from Stapleford to Earls Colne. During the flight, the student pilot encountered increasing difficulties with radio communications. Upon reaching the destination, the pilot attempted to contact Earls Colne but found the radio was non-functional. After attempting various switch configurations without success, the pilot activated the radio failure code on the transponder and orbited the airfield for ten minutes, waiting for air traffic control to notify the airfield of the situation.
Following this period, the pilot commenced the landing circuit. An initial approach to Runway 24 was aborted via a go-around due to excessive speed and altitude. During the subsequent second approach, a sudden gust of wind caused the aircraft to roll toward the right at a low altitude. This movement led to a loss of control, resulting in a hard impact on the nose landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond economic repair.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the radio failure and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. The inquiry established that while the aircraft was equipped with two separate communication radios, these units were of different designs. The investigation found that the student pilot had not received instruction on the operation of the second radio and was not aware that the unit functioned as a communication device.
Findings
- The aircraft's roll and subsequent impact were triggered by a wind gust during the final approach.
- The pilot was unaware of the availability of a secondary communication radio due to a lack of training on that specific equipment.
- Wind conditions at the time were estimated by airfield personnel to be approximately 12 knots from 190°.