What happened
On 28 December 2001, a pilot operating a Robin R2-160, registration G-VECB, conducted a private flight from Goodwood Aerodrome. Having recently completed a basic aerobatics course, the pilot arrived at the airfield in the late afternoon. As the airfield's air traffic control service had closed for the day, the pilot utilized local standing arrangements for unmanned operations, making 'blind' radio transmissions to announce intentions.
Following takeoff from Runway 24, the aircraft was observed performing a steep climbing turn and a roll manoeuvre at approximately 1,200 feet. Later, the pilot announced a fast approach to Runway 32. After a brief period of flying at low altitude, the pilot initiated a second fast approach. During a rolling manoeuvre performed at a very low height, the aircraft's nose suddenly dropped. The right wing tip struck the ground, causing the aircraft to skid across the grass adjacent to the runway. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and one fatality.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the aircraft was in a state of high power at the moment of impact. The structural examination of the Robin R2-160 revealed no evidence of pre-impact structural failure or mechanical unserviceability. All flying control surfaces, including the ailerons, rudder, and elevators, were intact and free-moving, with no evidence of jamming. Furthermore, no loose objects were found in the cockpit that could have interfered with the controls.
Analysis of the ground impact marks suggested the aircraft was rolling to the left and had completed more than three-quarters of the roll when it struck the earth. Witnesses noted that the pilot had not raised the nose before beginning the roll, a factor that would lead to a significant loss of altitude during the manoeuvre.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a rolling manoeuvre at an altitude that left insufficient margin for recovery once the nose dropped.
- The loss of height during the roll was caused by the pilot's failure to raise the nose prior to initiating the manoeuvre.
- The pilot had limited experience on this specific aircraft type, with only 14 hours of flight time on the model.
- The aircraft's landing light was unserviceable due to a recent bird strike, and the flight was occurring near sunset without a night rating.