What happened
On 26 March 2006, two Extra 300 aircraft, registrations G-OFFO and G-ZEXL, were conducting formation training maneuvers approximately 15 miles northwest of North Weald. The flight was intended to rehearse a "photo shoot" formation involving four aircraft, including a Harvard aircraft acting as the photographic platform. During the outbound leg of the flight, the pilots practiced various formation positions.
While flying at 1,500 feet, the pilot of G-OFFO attempted to reposition his aircraft into a "deep echelon right" position relative to the Harvard. The pilot believed that the pilot of G-ZEXL was aware of this change in position; however, this specific maneuver had not been explicitly briefed. As the pilot of G-OFFO moved into position, the pilot of G-ZEXL initiated a right turn to close the distance with the lead aircraft.
Due to moderate turbulence and wing rocking, the pilot of G-OFFO did not notice the turn of the other aircraft until the collision was imminent. In an attempt to avoid the impact, the pilot of G-OFFO pushed the control column forward, but the propeller of G-OFFO struck the right wing tip of G-ZEXL. The impact caused propeller tip damage to G-OFFO and structural damage to the wing of G-ZEXL. Both aircraft subsequently performed precautionary landings at North Weald without further incident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight's objectives, the briefing procedures used by the pilots, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators looked into the communication between the two aircraft and the impact of the weather on the pilots' ability to maintain visual contact and situational awareness. The investigation also considered the pilots' recent conversion to the Extra 300 type and their familiarity with its handling characteristics.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a breakdown in communication, as the pilot of G-OFFO failed to fully communicate the intention to move into the deep echelon right position.
- The pilot of G-ZEXL was unaware of the proximity of the other aircraft and believed the path was clear to turn right.
- The specific maneuver of moving into the deep echelon right position had not been included in the flight briefing.
- Moderate to severe turbulence and gusty winds caused wing rocking, which masked the initial turn of G-ZEXL from the pilot of G-OFFO.
- The pressure to complete the training objectives within a limited timeframe may have led to an overly rapid approach to the formation change.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator implemented changes to their briefing processes and radio telephony (RT) procedures. Additionally, the operator adopted a more measured approach to conducting formation training exercises.