What happened
On 15 May 2000, a Cessla 152, registration G-BPVJ, was conducting a training flight near Hambleton Hill, approximately 15 miles north of Leeds Bradford Airport. The flight was part of a training syllabus for a Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence, specifically focusing on stall and spin awareness. After several stalls, the student pilot initiated a left-hand spin at 50 knots with power applied.
Upon being instructed to recover, the student failed to take any corrective action. The instructor, after initially closing the throttle, took control of the aircraft to attempt a recovery. Despite applying full corrective inputs, including rudder and control column movements, the aircraft did not respond to the instructor's attempts. The aircraft eventually broke out of the spin suddenly, but only after the nose had reached the horizon, at which point it impacted a wet moorland area. The aircraft bounced upon impact and subsequently broke apart. Both occupants sustained serious injuries and required extraction from the wreckage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's performance, and the adherence to training protocols. Radar data from Leeds Approach showed the aircraft reached a peak altitude of 3,600 feet amsl before entering a steep descent, with the final radar contact recording the aircraft at 2,000 feet amsl while still descending.
Investigators noted that the training organization's manual prohibited entering spins below 4,000 feet agl and required recoveries to be completed by 3,000 feet agl. The investigation also considered the known characteristics of the Cessna 152, which typically recovers easily from spins unless specific factors interfere, such as incorrect technique, power settings, or center of gravity issues.