What happened
On 5 July 2017, a Skyranger 912(2), registration G-CCDH, was engaged in a private cross-country flight from Eshott to Little Gransden. During the journey, which covered over 200 nautical miles, the crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. While flying along the coast near Filey, the pilot observed cloud levels descending toward sea level.
Faced with worsening visibility and low cloud bases, the pilot determined that nearby airfields were unsuitable due to their elevations. Consequently, the decision was made to perform a precautionary landing in a nearby field. The pilot identified a field that appeared to be a stubble field; however, this was actually a standing crop. Upon touchdown, the aircraft sank into the vegetation, causing the plane to flip onto its back. Both occupants were held by their safety harnesses and managed to exit the aircraft without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the weather conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. Meteorological reports from Durham Tees Valley Airport indicated that while visibility was initially good, there was a significant chance of reduced visibility and lower cloud bases due to light drizzle and mist. The investigation also looked at the physical state of the landing site and the aircraft's damage, which included impacts to the wing, propeller, and nosewheel.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to land in the field was driven by the need to avoid unsuitable airfields due to low cloud bases.
- The primary cause of the overturn was the misidentification of the landing surface, as the pilot mistook a standing crop for a stubble field.
- Reduced light levels and the visual appearance of the field from the air likely contributed to the error in identifying the terrain.