What happened
On 19 June 2016, a Zenair CH 601XL Zodiac, registration G-EXXL, was conducting a local flight from a private airstrip when it encountered a recreational kite. The collision occurred at an altitude of approximately 720 feet near Pilling Sands, located in the Morecambe area of Lancashire. Following the impact, the pilot returned to the airfield, where an inspection revealed that the kite string had sliced through the landing light lens skin on the left wing, leaving a portion of the string embedded in the wing structure. There were no injuries to the two occupants on board.
The investigation
The investigation established that the kite flying activity was being conducted from the beach at Pilling Sands. The pilot noted that the activity had not been announced via a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and that local flying clubs had not been notified. Furthermore, the kite lacked any streamers that would have increased its visibility to aircraft. Upon speaking with the individuals involved in the kite flying, the pilot observed that they appeared to be unaware of the legal implications of flying kites at such significant heights.
Investigators reviewed the regulatory framework in place at the time. Under the Air Navigation Order 2009, kite operations exceeding 60 metres above ground level required specific permissions from the CAA. While previous regulations included specific requirements for streamers to aid conspicuity, these had been removed from CAA permissions following the implementation of SERA in 2015. However, the investigation found that this specific kite operation had not been notified to the CAA at all, meaning no permission had been sought or granted.
Findings
- The collision was caused by the unnotified kite flight activity occurring at an altitude of 720 feet.
- The kite lacked any streamers or visual markers to aid conspicuity.
- The kite operator had not sought the required permission from the CAA to fly at that altitude.
- The activity had not been communicated to local airspace users via NOTAM.
Safety action
Following this incident, the CAA reviewed its policy for issuing permissions for kite and captive balloon activities. Although the CAA can no longer mandate specific conspicuity requirements under SERA, it has advised the AAIB that all future permissions for such activities will include a formal statement advising operators to attach streamers to the mooring cable to ensure visibility.