On October 20, 1990, a Partenavia P.68 (registration G-BMCB) operated by Air Kilroe was involved in an aviation accident near East Midlands, United Kingdom during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial climb by night after the pilot suffered a spatial disorientation due to the combination of a poor visibility (night and low clouds) and the possible malfunction of the horizontal stabilizer due to water in the vacuum system. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft on a ferry flight from East Midlands to Manchester lost control during initial climb at night, crashed at 160 knots, and disintegrated. The sole pilot was killed.
Accident Details
A twin-engine aircraft departed East Midlands on runway 27 for a ferry flight to Manchester. During the initial climb at night, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed at a speed of 160 knots. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate in a field near the airport. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, was killed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident: loss of control during initial climb by night after the pilot suffered spatial disorientation. This disorientation resulted from the combination of poor visibility (night and low clouds) and the possible malfunction of the horizontal stabilizer due to water in the vacuum system.
What happened in the 20 Oct 1990 Partenavia P.68 accident near East Midlands, United Kingdom?
A twin-engine aircraft on a ferry flight from East Midlands to Manchester lost control during initial climb at night, crashed at 160 knots, and disintegrated. The sole pilot was killed.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Oct 1990 Partenavia P.68 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Oct 1990 involved a Partenavia P.68, registration G-BMCB, operated by Air Kilroe, at East Midlands, United Kingdom.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control during initial climb by night after the pilot suffered a spatial disorientation due to the combination of a poor visibility (night and low clouds) and the possible malfunction of the horizontal stabilizer due to water in the vacuum system.
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