No fatalities

1983-02-01: De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (XV272) — British Army Air Corps — Popham, United Kingdom

Popham, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On February 1, 1983, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (registration XV272) operated by British Army Air Corps was involved in an aviation accident near Popham, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong flaps selection on part of the student pilot on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781220778Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight at Popham Airfield, a student pilot's incorrect selection of full flaps on final approach caused the aircraft to lose height and strike the ground, resulting in damage but no injuries.

Incident Details

A training flight at Popham Airfield involved a student pilot and an instructor. The flight was local in nature and was concluding with an approach to the airfield. As the aircraft descended on final approach, the student pilot operated the flap lever. Contrary to the expected setting, the student selected the full flaps position. This selection resulted in an immediate loss of lift and a rapid descent. The aircraft then struck the ground.

Damage and Injuries

The impact caused the undercarriage to be torn from the aircraft. The aircraft itself sustained substantial damage and was subsequently written off. Both the student pilot and the instructor were uninjured in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation into the accident determined that the probable cause was the student pilot's incorrect selection of flaps on final approach.