What happened
On 25 July 1998, a Bolkow BO-208C Junior, registration G-ATZA, was involved in an accident near Agster Lane, close to Canterbury. The aircraft was performing a go-around maneuver when it failed to maintain sufficient altitude. The resulting impact caused the pilot to sustain significant injuries, which initially required intensive care.
The investigation
Initial reports regarding the aircraft's configuration were later amended following new evidence provided by the pilot. While early documentation suggested the flaps were in the fully up position, the pilot clarified that the flaps had actually been set to the take-off position for the go-around.
Investigators also examined the engine's carburettor heat control. Although a post-crash examination could not definitively determine the position of the control, the pilot noted that recent maintenance had been performed on both the carburettor and one of the engine cylinders during an annual Certificate of Airworthiness inspection.
Findings
- The pilot noted that the rate of climb was insufficient to safely complete the maneuver.
- The pilot suggested that even if the carburettor heat had been left in the 'hot' position, an additional engine fault likely contributed to the poor performance.
- Recent maintenance work had been conducted on the engine's cylinders and carburettor prior to the event.