What happened
On 4 September 2013, a Cessna T303 Crusader, registration N289CW, was conducting a private VFR flight from Dinan, France, to Jersey, Channel Islands. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and one passenger, was approaching Runway 09 at Jersey Airport. During the approach, the aircraft descended through the fog layer, eventually reaching an altitude of approximately 100 ft while positioned slightly left of the runway centerline.
During a turn, the pilot transmitted a radio message indicating that the aircraft had gone "completely wrong way round." Radar data showed that after this turn, the aircraft's groundspeed dropped from 150 kt to 100 kt. The aircraft then entered a rapid climb, ascending to 600 ft at a rate of 4,000 fpm, before descending sharply and disappearing from radar coverage. The aircraft subsequently struck the sea, resulting in two fatalities.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation involved the analysis of radar recordings from Jersey, Guernsey, and Les Platons, as well as radio transmissions. While no onboard flight recorders were recovered, investigators examined wreckage fragments found floating in the sea. The recovered debris, which included parts of the cabin and wing panels, showed evidence of a high-energy impact consistent with a high-speed collision with the water. There was no evidence of engine failure, mechanical malfunction, or bird strikes.
Investigators also reviewed the weather conditions, noting that while the airfield was clear, extensive fog existed from the surface up to 500 ft over the surrounding sea. The pilot's recent flight history and the aircraft's maintenance status were also reviewed, noting that the autopilot was known to be unserviceable at the time of the flight.
Findings
- The pilot was flying manually due to an unserviceable autopilot.
- The aircraft descended into fog, which likely led to spatial disorientation.
- The pilot's radio transmission suggests a misinterpretation of navigation aids or a mistaken turn.
- The pilot attempted a rapid pull-up maneuver to recover from a low altitude, likely inducing a stall.
- The altitude loss during a conventional stall recovery in this aircraft type can be as great as 650 ft, leaving insufficient height to regain controlled flight.