What happened
On 12 February 1999, a Cessna 172M, registration G-BXLJ, departed Welshpool Airfield for a private flight. The aircraft was occupied by three people: the pilot, an assistant flying instructor, and one passenger. While the instructor was acting as the aircraft commander for currency purposes, the pilot who hired the aircraft was expected to be the primary manipulator of the controls.
Radar tracking from Clee Hill showed the aircraft climbing to approximately 2,000 feet as it travelled northwest. By 1534 hrs, the aircraft had descended into a valley between Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant and Tan-y-pistyll. Although witnesses observed the aircraft flying normally and parallel to a road, the aircraft eventually encountered steeply rising ground. The aircraft struck a rocky escarpment and tumbled approximately 50 metres down a slope. The impact resulted in three fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage located on the east-facing slope of Moel S/Sych. The investigation focused on the aircraft's mechanical state, the flight path, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident.
Analysis of the propeller revealed that it was transmitting considerable power at the moment of impact, as evidenced by the deformation of the blades. While the throttle control was found in a near-closed position, it could not be determined if this occurred due to the impact or prior pilot action. The engine was stripped, and no mechanical failures were found that would have caused a significant loss of power. Furthermore, the aircraft's structure and flight controls were found to be intact and complete prior to the collision.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the mountainside while in balanced forward flight, likely in a steep right bank.
- The aircraft flew into steeply rising ground during its flight through the valley.
- Meteorological conditions involved overcast skies with a cloud base that likely obscured the higher terrain surrounding the accident site.
- There was no evidence of pre-existing medical conditions in the crew or any mechanical failure that would have prevented the controlled operation of the aircraft.