What happened
On 14 January 2007, a Gulfstream American GA-7, registration G-TANI, was conducting a private flight returning to Stapford Airfield. The flight had previously traveled to Le Touquet, France, and was returning to the UK after lunch. While established on the final approach to Runway 22L, the pilot was managing traffic separation from two other aircraft in the circuit.
As the aircraft progressed on its final approach, the pilot was flying towards a setting sun, which significantly impaired forward visibility. Approximately 2 km from the runway threshold, the top of the aircraft's fin made contact with an earth wire suspended between two electricity pylons. The impact was accompanied by a loud bang, though the aircraft's flight controls continued to function normally. Following the strike, the pilot completed the landing without further incident. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the two persons on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the area north-east of the runway threshold, where a line of pylons supports electricity cables. These pylons stand 140 ft high, with the upper reaches reaching 395 ft amsl. While the main power cables are located below the top of the pylons, a single earth wire is suspended from the very top. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft passed between the earth wire and the main power cables, resulting in the fin and rudder sustaining extensive damage.
An inspection of the aircraft's rear revealed the damage caused by the contact. The ground-based radio operator at Stapford instructed the pilot to stop and shut down the engines upon noticing the damage. The Rescue and Fire Fighting Service was deployed to the scene, but the crew and passenger were able to exit the aircraft unassisted.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the contact between the aircraft fin and an earth wire located between electricity pylons.
- The pilot's forward vision was significantly reduced due to the position of the setting sun.
- The pilot's attention was divided by the necessity of maintaining separation from other aircraft in a busy circuit.
- The aircraft's flight path placed it further beyond the power line than is typical for the approach.