What happened
On 26 September 2015, a Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat, registration G-BAEV, was conducting a solo cross-country training exercise. The flight was a triangular route starting and ending at Beverley Airfield, passing over Carnaby and Elvington.
During the final leg of the flight, while positioned between Elvington and Beverley, the student pilot began to experience dizziness and a loss of concentration. Despite these physical difficulties, the pilot continued the flight toward Beverley. During the downwind leg, the aircraft's altitude had decreased to roughly 600 ft. As the pilot transitioned to the final approach, the altitude dropped further to approximately 300 ft, with the pilot struggling to maintain focus and manage the aircraft's height.
As the aircraft approached the runway threshold, it struck tall grass, leading to a heavy landing on the nosewheel. The impact caused significant structural damage to the propeller, noseleg, fuselage, and wings. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was assisted at the scene by an instructor.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight sequence and the pilot's physical condition during the approach. The investigation established that the pilot was a student with 38 total flying hours, all of which were on this specific aircraft type. The investigation also noted the presence of tall grass near the runway threshold which contributed to the impact prior to the heavy landing.