History of the Flight
The student pilot had completed three circuits with an instructor and was then briefed for solo circuits. On the second solo circuit, ATC instructed her to orbit on the downwind leg. After rolling out, she perceived she was further downwind than expected. Turning onto base leg, she recognized she was slightly above circuit height. She recalled selecting carburettor heat, reducing power to approximately 1,700 rpm, and selecting two stages of flap. The aircraft felt abnormal and descended more rapidly than expected. She attempted to apply power with little response. She transmitted a mayday call and manoeuvred towards a field with nearby houses.
Impact and Aftermath
The aircraft struck a tree on the edge of a school playing field within the built-up area of Bromley. It then fell through the branches, coming to rest close to ground level. The pilot suffered injuries to her legs and ankles. She was able to exit through the door, which had opened during the impact. Her exit was made awkward by substantial tree limbs that had penetrated the cabin. There was no fire.
Recorded Data
Radar and RTF recordings of the accident flight showed a descending right turn culminating in ground impact in a downwind direction. The surface wind was 220°/9 kt.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 59, held a student pilot license. She began training towards a PPL in January 2007. Her total flying time of 88 hours included two hours solo. Training records showed she had only flown one exercise involving emergencies in the circuit, conducted in October 2007. This exercise covered engine failure after takeoff drills. The pilot reported she had not been taught how to deal with engine failure other than during the initial climb after takeoff.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined by engineers contracted by the aircraft owner. No fault was found.
Carburettor Icing Conditions
CAA Safety Sense Leaflet SSL 14 discusses piston engine icing and includes a graph depicting the likelihood of carburettor icing depending upon temperature and dewpoint. At the time of the accident, the temperature was 20°C and the dewpoint was 13°C. Under these conditions, the graph indicated that moderate icing was possible at cruise power and serious icing at descent power. The chief flying instructor of the flying club commented that he did not believe PA-28-161 aircraft were particularly prone to carburettor icing.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, described as beyond economic repair.