What happened
While operating a flight from Sheffield City Airport to its base in Nottingham, the pilot entered the traffic zone at Burton Joyce at approximately 1,000 feet. During the flight, the pilot began orbiting a local residence. While maneuvering, the pilot experienced moderate turbulence, which was initially interpreted as thermal activity rather than an indication of an impending stall.
During this period, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to roll through a vertical position. Although the pilot attempted to recover by applying corrective rudder and forward pressure on the control column, the aircraft could not maintain its altitude because the engines failed to produce sufficient power. Consequently, the pilot initiated an emergency landing with the landing gear in the retracted position.
As the aircraft approached the landing site, it collided with a telegraph pole, yawed to the left, and struck the ground with a high rate of descent before sliding briefly. The pilot sustained injuries that prevented immediate evacuation, though local bystanders arrived quickly to assist. No fire occurred following the impact.
Findings
Evidence indicates the aircraft was flying at approximately 100 knots with a 60-degree bank angle when it departed from stable flight. While the basic stalling speed for this configuration was roughly 70 knots, the increased stall speed due to load factor during the turn reached approximately 100 knots. Eyewitness accounts suggest the aircraft was at an altitude of roughly 300 feet above ground level when the loss of control occurred.