Synopsis
On 19 July 2006, a Cessna F150L, registration G-BABB, was destroyed when it struck the ground in Eastwood Park, Southend on Sea, Essex, approximately 1 nm from Southend Airport. The sole occupant, a 16-year-old student pilot, was fatally injured. The aircraft was engaged in solo circuit training as part of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) course.
History of the Flight
The student had completed his first solo flight two days prior. On the morning of the accident, he attended the flying school to sit an Aviation Law examination. At approximately 1430 hrs, he met his instructor for a briefing. After inspecting the aircraft, the instructor contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC) by telephone and informed the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer (SATCO) that after a short dual flight, the student would likely continue solo. The SATCO did not specify the number of persons on board on the Flight Progress Slip, but verbally informed the Aerodrome Controller (ADC) that the student would be sent solo.
During the dual flight, the instructor considered the first circuit 'text book' and conducted a second dual circuit. After landing at 1505 hrs, the instructor called the tower, requesting solo circuits, and disembarked. The student was instructed to carry out three solo circuits.
Communications and Air Traffic Control
At 1508 hrs, the student requested taxi for solo circuits. He was instructed to hold at Holding Point C1. Shortly after, the ADC handed over to a relieving controller. The relieving ADC was not made explicitly aware that the pilot was an inexperienced student. At 1512 hrs, the ADC received a release for a BAe 146 airliner, which departed ahead of G-BABB. The student was held due to wake turbulence requirements from the larger aircraft. The ADC instructed the student to enter the runway and backtrack, but the student misinterpreted and positioned the aircraft facing back along the taxiway. After clarification, the student lined up and was cleared for takeoff at 1520 hrs.
At 1523 hrs, the student reported downwind. Meanwhile, an arriving Piper PA-46T Malibu Meridian was being handled by the Approach Controller (APC). At 1526:10 hrs, the ADC noted the G-BABB would be slow on final. The APC suggested sending the Cessna around to avoid conflict. At 1526:30 hrs, the student reported on final. The ADC then instructed the student to go around and turn away from the final approach track to avoid the faster Malibu.
The Accident
During the go-around manoeuvre, the student flew level at low altitude. It is likely that the aircraft remained in the approach configuration with insufficient power applied to maintain flying speed. In level flight, the aircraft stalled at a height from which recovery was impossible and struck the ground in Eastwood Park.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Recommendations
Four safety recommendations were made following the investigation.