What happened
On 15 June 2005, an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar, registration G-CCKK, was performing a private flight from Hullavington Airfield to Shobordu Airfield. During the return leg of the journey, the pilot encountered worsening weather conditions characterized by low cloud and mist over the Cotswold escarpment. In an attempt to avoid the deteriorating weather, the pilot deviated from the intended track, likely seeking a place to land.
Witnesses on a nearby golf course observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude. The aircraft was seen performing maneuvers that suggested it was preparing for a forced landing. During a turn, the aircraft appeared to slow down and then underwent a sudden, violent roll to the left, followed by a steep, nose-low descent. The aircraft struck the ground at a high rate of descent, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the wreckage, the engine, and meteorological data. Examination of the G-CCKK wreckage showed the aircraft was structurally intact, and the engine was found to have been producing power at the time of impact. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or control malfunctions. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight logs and local weather reports.
Witness accounts from golfers near the site provided critical details regarding the aircraft's flight path and the suddenness of the roll. Radar analysis was conducted, though the aircraft was not equipped with a transponder, making tracking difficult. The investigation also considered the impact of the sloping terrain and the lack of a clear horizon due to low cloud cover on the pilot's ability to maintain altitude.
Findings
- The pilot encountered worsening weather conditions over the Cotswold hills, which prompted a deviation from the planned route.
- The pilot was likely attempting to find a suitable site for a forced landing due to the deteriorating visibility and cloud base.
- The aircraft's low mass and high drag caused it to lose airspeed significantly during the maneuvers.
- The aircraft suffered an aerodynamic stall at a height insufficient for the pilot to recover.
- The pilot's concentration was likely diverted by the high workload of navigating through poor weather and searching for a landing site.
- The sloping ground and the lack of a visible horizon likely contributed to an incorrect perception of the aircraft's attitude.