What happened
On 25 July 1998, a Bolkow BO-208C Junior, registration G-ATZA, was conducting a private flight near Canterbury when it crashed near Agster Lane. Witnesses observed the aircraft approaching a farm strip at a high speed and high altitude, touching down far down the runway before attempting to become airborne again. During this second attempt, the aircraft travelled approximately half a mile past the end of the strip, striking the tops of a treeline. This resulted in a stall and a subsequent impact with the ground. A post-accident fire broke out, causing one serious and one minor injury. The pilot sustained severe burns to his lower limbs, while the passenger suffered minor burns to the hands while attempting to rescue the commander.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's configuration and the circumstances of the flight. It was noted that the aircraft had recently undergone an annual Certificate of Airworthiness inspection, which included work on the carburettor and one cylinder. Investigators looked into the settings of the flap selection switch and the carburettor heat control. While initial reports suggested the flaps were fully retracted, the pilot later clarified that they had been set to the take-off position for the go-around. Additionally, while there was initial speculation regarding the carburettor heat being left in the hot position, later evidence rendered the position of the control inconclusive.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a poor gradient of climb during the go-around.
- High ambient temperatures were noted as a factor that could influence performance.
- The pilot's performance was hindered by a lack of climb capability, which the pilot suggested may have been due to an underlying engine fault, given the low rate of climb achieved.