What happened
On 11 September 2006, a Cessna A152, registration G-BHAC, departed Caernarfon Airfield for a return flight to Shobdon. The pilot and one passenger had previously flown to Caernarfon earlier that day and had decided to return via an alternative route through Colwyn Bay and the north Welsh coast due to deteriorating weather conditions.
Shortly after takeoff at 1605 hrs, the aircraft turned right and began a track toward Colwyn Bay. During the flight, the pilot informed air traffic control that he was unable to penetrate the weather to the south and intended to follow the coastal route. However, while flying at an altitude of approximately 1,800 ft amsl, the aircraft struck rising ground near Bethesda at 1,970 ft amsl. The impact resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered radar data from Blackpool, which confirmed the aircraft's track. The investigation established that the aircraft was in a level flight, banked slightly to the left, and pitched slightly nose-up at the moment of impact.
Technical analysis of the Cessna A152 revealed that the engine was operating at a high power setting and the aircraft was fully serviceable. While the left wing sustained significant structural damage due to in-plane loading, the control systems remained intact. Meteorological data indicated that while forecasts suggested manageable conditions, a moist south-westerly flow was bringing low cloud and reduced visibility to the region, with cloud bases potentially as low as 200 to 700 ft amsl over high ground.
Findings
- The pilot was flying a route that took the aircraft into terrain higher than his intended altitude.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the area, combined with deteriorating weather, likely obscured the danger posed by the rising mountainside.
- The decision to fly in unsuitable weather conditions was the primary factor leading to the controlled flight into terrain.