History of the Flight
Two Piper PA-28-161 aircraft, G-BSLE (callsign Oxford 67) and G-BFZG (callsign Oxford 64), were conducting flying training at Oxford Airport, Kidlington, Oxfordshire on 31 May 2000. Each aircraft carried an instructor and a student pilot. Oxford 67 was completing an instrument flying sortie with IF screens fitted and was performing an NDB/DME procedural approach to Runway 20. The IF screens, which complied with CAA requirements, consisted of vertical plastic louvres that allowed the instructor an outside view while the student flew by reference to instruments.
Oxford 64 was conducting visual circuits and landings on Runway 20, positioned as number two of three aircraft in the circuit. Earlier, Oxford 64 had completed a touch and go and followed the visual circuit pattern. Three aircraft were ahead, with another, Oxford 55, having joined from overhead behind. Oxford 67 was on the outbound leg of the instrument approach. The controller coordinated traffic, advising Oxford 67 to report at two nautical miles and instructing Oxford 64 to continue on finals.
As both aircraft approached short finals, their proximity increased. The controller attempted to identify them but mistakenly cleared Oxford 67 to land instead of Oxford 64. Oxford 64 initiated a go-around, and during the manoeuvre the aircraft collided at an estimated height of 30 to 50 feet. In the collision, Oxford 67 pitched nose down and banked left, but the commander recovered to wings level and landed near the threshold. Oxford 64 corrected a right turn and landed about one third along the runway. None of the occupants were injured, and they exited normally. The Rescue and Fire Fighting Service attended immediately.
Weather
The weather was fine: wind 150°/05 kt, visibility greater than 10 km, few clouds at 4,000 feet, temperature +16°C.
Aircraft Damage
The collision occurred when the lower aircraft (Oxford 64) was in a climbing attitude and the higher aircraft (Oxford 67) was descending slightly left of Oxford 64. The tail tie-down plate of Oxford 67 sliced through the left wing leading edge skin of Oxford 64. The propeller of Oxford 64 contacted the right flap and aileron of Oxford 67, detaching parts.