What happened
On 4 September 2010, during the final stages of the Merlin Trophy Air Race near Ryde, Isle of Wight, a mid-air collision occurred between two competing aircraft. The Mooney M20J, registration G-JAST, was overtaking a Vans RV-4, registration G-MARX, on the final lap of the circuit. During the maneuver, the G-JAST entered a series of pitch and roll changes that brought it into contact with the G-MARX.
The impact caused the G-JAST to break up in flight. The aircraft's empennage detached, and the left wing failed due to aerodynamic loads, causing the wreckage to fall into a wooded area. The pilot and passenger of the G-JAST sustained 2 fatal injuries. The G-MARX sustained extensive damage to its right wing and landing gear but was able to land at Bembridge Airport, with both occupants sustaining 2 minor injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB examined wreckage from both aircraft, including recovered GPS units that provided critical altitude and position data. Investigators used 3D computer-aided design models to reconstruct the flight paths and the relative positions of the aircraft. The investigation also analyzed the cockpit geometry of the G-JAST, specifically the pilot's line of sight through the window apertures.
Analysis of the G-JAST structure revealed that the initial contact occurred between the G-MARX's right wheel spat and the rear fuselage of the G-JAST. This was followed by the G-MARX's propeller striking the cabin roof and the G-JAST's left wing, which eventually led to the structural failure of the G-JAST's tail section and wing.
Findings
- The collision occurred because both pilots lost sight of each other during the race.
- The pilot of the G-JAST was likely unable to see the RV-4 for approximately 39 seconds prior to the impact due to the aircraft's low-wing configuration and the opaque roof structure.
- The pilot of the G-JAST may have made small, inadvertent control inputs while concentrated on the race, which contributed to the aircraft's path intersecting with the G-MARX.
- The G-JAST's upward visibility was significantly restricted by its design, making it difficult to monitor the aircraft being overtaken.