What happened
On 21 July 2013, a Cirrus SR22, registration N147KA, departed Blackbushe Airport for Le Touquet, France. Before departing, the pilot had expressed concerns to air traffic control regarding the cloudbase. To evaluate the weather, the pilot performed several circuits at the airfield before proceeding on a route towards the French coast.
After crossing the English coast near Seaford, the aircraft maintained a steady track and altitude. However, radar data later showed that the aircraft's groundspeed began to decrease, followed by a descending left turn. The aircraft eventually turned back to the right, but radar contact was lost near the edge of coverage. Subsequent search and rescue efforts located various pieces of wreckage on the sea surface, indicating the aircraft had struck the water with high energy. The pilot, who was flying under a Private Pilot’s Licence without an instrument rating, was the sole occupant and was killed in the accident.
The investigation
The AAIB examined recovered wreckage, including cabin doors, wing sections, and engine cowling. The fragmentation of the debris suggested a high-speed impact. Maintenance records were reviewed, revealing that the propeller, magnetos, and cabin heater muff had exceeded their recommended overhaul limits, though this was permitted under the aircraft's operating regulations.
Meteorological analysis showed that while some areas had clear skies, a band of low cloud and sea fog extended through the Dover Straits. Airborne reports from other aircraft confirmed that the English Channel was obscured by low cloud or fog with a significant amount of haze and no visible horizon. The investigation also looked into the pilot's flying experience and the functionality of the aircraft's autopilot and ballistic recovery systems.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in meteorological conditions that were unsuitable for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight.
- The pilot lacked the necessary instrument or IMC rating required to navigate the low cloud and fog.
- The disengagement of the autopilot in conditions with no discernable horizon would have made manual control extremely difficult.
- The pilot had very limited experience performing instrument flight techniques.
- The high degree of wreckage fragmentation indicated a high-energy impact with the sea surface.
- The possibility of pilot incapacitation could not be ruled out due to the lack of emergency radio transmissions or evidence of parachute deployment.