What happened
On 7 October 1999, a Cessna 152, registration G-BTGR, departed Shoreham Airfield for a brief local flight intended to overfly Brighton Marina. Although the pilot had been informed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that visibility had dropped to 3,000 metres due to moderate rain, the flight proceeded. Shortly after takeoff, while performing a left turn at approximately 60 and 00 feet, the pilot encountered rapidly worsening weather and requested an immediate return to the airfield.
As the aircraft flew towards the airfield, the pilot lost visual contact with the ground. The controller, unable to maintain sight of the aircraft, used direction-finding equipment to provide heading instructions to steer the pilot away from nearby high ground. During the encounter, the pilot reported being lost and appeared increasingly disoriented. At approximately 1534 hrs, the aircraft emerged from the cloud base at an altitude of roughly 500 feet over open terrain. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a sloping field, where the Cessna 152 came to rest inverted. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the wreckage before being located by a police helicopter.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's qualifications, and the actions taken by ATC. It was established that while the pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, he was only qualified to fly in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and lacked an Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) rating.
Investigators reviewed the sequence of communications between the pilot and the controller, noting that the controller attempted to provide terrain clearance guidance and routing assistance using VDF information. The investigation also looked into the local terrain, noting that the accident site was near significant high ground, including a spot height of 672 feet and an 863-foot mast.
Findings
- The meteorological conditions deteriorated much more rapidly and severely than the initial forecast had predicted.
- The pilot became airborne and entered weather conditions that exceeded his legal and technical capabilities.
- The pilot encountered weather conditions beyond his qualification to fly in VMC.
- The pilot was aware of the reduced visibility prior to takeoff but proceeded with the flight.
- The aircraft was destroyed upon impact in the field.