History of the Flight
The incident occurred on 9 January 2022 at 1947 UTC at Newcastle International Airport. The aircraft, a Reims Cessna F172M (registration G-MOFO, manufactured in 1974, equipped with one Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine), was conducting the pilot's first night solo as part of a Night Rating course.
While on downwind for a right-hand circuit, the pilot lost sight of the runway. He misidentified lights from the nearby A1 dual carriageway as runway lights and drifted south of the airport. While attempting to reacquire the runway lights, the pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to descend. The aircraft descended to approximately 300 ft above ground level (agl). Ground elevation in the area was around 200 ft above mean sea level (amsl).
Upon realizing the low altitude, the pilot initiated a climb. Simultaneously, Newcastle Air Traffic Control (ATC) noticed the aircraft's transponder Mode C altitude reducing toward 500 ft and instructed the pilot to climb. Once the aircraft was safely level, the pilot turned back toward the airfield. With assistance from ATC, he regained visual contact with the runway and landed from an abbreviated left-hand circuit.
After landing, the pilot received a debrief and a ground brief on Newcastle features and radio procedures. The pilot's instructor then cleared him to continue his night-flying training.
AAIB Comment
The AAIB noted that the pilot's inadvertent descent highlights the increased risk from distraction, in this case looking for runway lights, in situations where external visual cues are reduced.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The commander held a Light Aircraft Pilot's Licence, was 72 years old, and had 233 hours total flying experience, with 4 hours on type. His recent flying included 13 hours in the last 90 days and 5 hours in the last 28 days. No injuries occurred, and the aircraft sustained no damage.