What happened
On 22 September 2012, a Cessna 152, registration G-BSZI, was conducting a private flight from City of Derry Airport to Carrickmore Airfield in Northern Ireland. The flight included the pilot and one passenger. During the approach to Runway 08, the pilot performed a landing with 20° flaps at approximately 70 kt. After touching down one third along the runway, the aircraft briefly drifted off the paved surface. Dissatisfied with the landing parameters, the pilot attempted to abort the landing by applying full power and retracting the flaps to 0°.
However, the aircraft failed to achieve the expected climb. Faced with obstacles including buildings and power lines on rising ground ahead, the pilot decided to land immediately in a nearby ploughed field. Upon touchdown in the field, the nosewheel dug into the earth, causing the aircraft to pitch nose-down and overturn. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance and configuration. While the pilot suspected potential carburettor icing might have reduced engine power, no symptoms of engine roughness or low RPM were noted. The investigation found that the flap control was in the 0° position, though one wing flap was found at 10°, suggesting the retraction might have been incomplete.
Analysis of the mass and balance indicated the aircraft was operating very close to its maximum allowable weight. The pilot had previously offloaded fuel to manage weight concerns, but the aircraft remained near its limit. The investigation also noted that the pilot was unfamiliar with the specific characteristics of the Carrickmore airfield, which was significantly different from his home international airport.