What happened
On 13 June 2007, a Piper PA-28-161 Warrior, registration G-ELZN, departed East Kirkby Airfield for a return flight to Peterborough with three passengers on board. While the initial weather forecast indicated only a risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, the flight encountered rapidly deteriorating conditions near Boston.
As the aircraft progressed along its route, the pilot encountered heavy rain, low cloud, and poor visibility. In an attempt to remain within Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), the pilot descended. However, the situation worsened as the aircraft entered an area of even lower cloud and increased lightning activity. The pilot subsequently declared a ‘MAYDAY’ and initiated a forced landing in a field near Fosdyle. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a ditch, resulting in significant damage to the propeller, the nose landing gear, the right main landing gear, and the right wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had consulted the meteorological office at RAF Coningsby prior to departure, which had suggested a 50% chance of weather improving sufficiently for the return leg. The pilot's decision to land in the field was driven by the immediate threat of lightning and the difficulty of maintaining VMC.
Findings
- The pilot encountered heavy rain, low cloud, and lightning that necessitated an immediate landing.
- The decision to continue the flight into an area of developing thunderstorms contributed to the necessity of the forced landing.