What happened
On October 19, 2007, a mid-air collision occurred near Lelyst andstad Airport (EHLE) involving two single-engine propeller aircraft. The first aircraft, a Cessna 172R with registration PH-BVE, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Rotterdam to Lelystad. The aircraft was on its approach to the mandatory reporting point Sierra. The second aircraft, a Fuji FA-200-180AO registered as PH-JEJ, was conducting a local aerobatic training flight.
During the approach phase, the two aircraft collided. The impact caused the Cessna 172R to crash and subsequently burn completely, resulting in two fatalities among its occupants. The crew of the Fuji FA-200-180AO managed to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field; both individuals on board remained uninjured.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) examined the flight paths, radio communications, and visibility conditions. Radar data from Luchtverkeersleiding Nederland (LVNL) helped reconstruct the routes of both aircraft. The investigation looked into the use of radios, the effectiveness of the 'see-and-avoid' principle, and the visibility of the aircraft against the background. The investigators also reviewed the technical aspects of the collision and the configuration of the aircraft, noting that neither aircraft had their transponders active during the flight.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the failure of the 'see-and-avoid' principle during the collision:
- Radio usage: The instructor in the Fuji FA-200-180AO had temporarily turned down the radio volume during aerobatic maneuvers to avoid distraction. Consequently, the crew likely did not hear the Cessna 172R's radio call to Lelystad Radio, preventing them from forming a complete mental picture of other traffic in the area.
- Visual obstructions: The aircraft types had different wing configurations; the Cessna 172R is a high-wing aircraft, while the Fuji FA-200-180AO is a low-wing aircraft. This difference may have created blind spots, potentially obscuring the Cessna 172R behind the Fuji's wing during turns.
- Environmental factors: The sun's position and the low contrast between the white Cessna 172R and the sunlit background may have made the aircraft harder to detect.
- Navigation challenges: The lack of clear recognizability of the Sierra reporting point may have caused the pilot of the Cessna 172R to focus more on navigation than on scanning for traffic.