What happened
On 8 February 2005, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-BHIL, was conducting a private VFR flight from Zwartberg Airfield in Belgium to Shoreham, UK. During the return leg, the pilot encountered widespread mist and patches of dense fog across Kent.
While the pilot's declared flight plan was for Shoreham, evidence suggests an intention to land at Old Hay Farmstrip in Kent. As the aircraft progressed through the area, the pilot performed several climbing and descending manoeuvres to maintain visual contact with the ground. Near Horsmonden, the aircraft was observed at low altitude, appearing to orbit within the fog. During a descending right turn, the aircraft struck a grass field with its right wingtip, subsequently impacting a hedge and a tree. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's handheld GPS unit, which provided critical track, route, and altitude data. The engine and airframe were found to be mechanically sound, with no evidence of technical failure or pre-impact fire. The investigation established that the aircraft was flying at a high power setting at the time of impact.
Radio communications with London Information revealed that the pilot was navigating through challenging conditions, at one point stating he was flying below the cloud layer to maintain visual reference. The investigation also noted that the pilot had not activated his flight plan after departure from Belgium and had not declared his intention to land at the farmstrip.
Findings
- The pilot was operating in weather conditions that were significantly below VFR minima.
- There was a clear attempt to land at an undeclared destination, which likely led to poor decision-making.
- The pilot lost situational awareness while attempting to maintain visual contact with the terrain amidst dense fog and erratic manoeuvres.
- Potential contributing factors included possible distraction from navigation, the possibility of carburettor icing, or a medical event, though no technical or toxicological cause was confirmed.