Accident Overview
On 18 December 2005 at 1218 UTC, a Cessna 152 (registration G-BNXC) and an Aerotechnik EV-97 Eurostar (registration G-GHEE) collided in midair over the disused airfield at Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire. The Cessna 152 was on a solo cross-country navigation exercise, while the Eurostar was on a private scenic flight. The collision occurred in fine weather with good visibility.
Flight Histories
The Cessna 152 was operated by a student pilot nearing completion of his Private Pilot Licence training. He had departed Coventry Airport at 1136 hrs, flying via Silverstone and Banbury on a track of 253° magnetic toward Gloucestershire Airport. The aircraft maintained an altitude of 2,500 ft QNH as briefed. The pilot contacted Turweston Aerodrome air/ground radio but did not communicate with other ATC units. At about the time of the accident, a brief “MAYDAY, MAY...” transmission was heard.
The Eurostar was flown by its owner, a private pilot with 265 hours total experience. He had taken off at 1205 hrs from a private airstrip east of Cheltenham, carrying a passenger for a sightseeing flight. The aircraft flew at 1,800-1,900 ft amsl (about 1,000 ft agl) toward Moreton in Marsh. The passenger took photographs of the Fire Service College buildings. The pilot then executed a right-hand orbit, rolling out on a northerly heading at about 800-1,000 ft above the airfield.
Collision and Aftermath
As the Eurostar rolled out, the pilot and passenger suddenly saw the Cessna 152 at very close range, estimated at less than 50 yards. The Eurostar pilot pulled back on the control column, but the aircraft pitched up just before impact. The canopy of the Eurostar flew open; the passenger held it closed during the descent. The Eurostar sustained severe vibration, prompting the pilot to shut down the engine and execute a forced landing in a field north of the airfield. Neither occupant was injured. The Cessna 152 entered a dive and crashed on the disused airfield. Emergency services arrived and confirmed the pilot of the Cessna had sustained fatal injuries.
Wreckage Examination
Collision debris was scattered over an area extending 200 m northeast from the collision point, consistent with the prevailing wind. Debris included parts of the Eurostar’s engine cowl and numerous fragments from the Cessna’s left wing, including aileron sections and internal structure. The Eurostar’s engine mount was severely damaged, propeller blades separated, and pieces of the Cessna’s wing structure were embedded in the engine compartment. The Cessna’s left wing leading edge showed deformation from strikes by its own propeller.
The investigation concluded that neither pilot saw the other aircraft in sufficient time to take effective avoiding action. One safety recommendation was made regarding guidance on medication.