Piper Cherokee Arrow II crashes in Leicestershire fog

Casualties unknown • North-eastern edge of Rutland Water, near Empingham, Leicestershire, GB

A Piper PA-28R-200 crashed into trees near Rutland Water after descending into dense fog, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot.

What happened

On 13 February 2008, a Piper PA-28R-200 G-BKFZ departed Spanhoe Airfield for a short flight to Shacklewell Lodge. After takeoff, the pilot climbed to 1,200 ft, positioned just above a cloud layer, and contacted RAF Cottesmore for clearance through the Wittering MATZ. While the pilot initially reported clear skies and haze, the local weather was rapidly deteriorating due to an incoming fog bank.

As the flight progressed, the aircraft entered a region of dense fog and low visibility. GPS data indicates that after reaching a maximum altitude of 1,607 ft, the aircraft began a descent. During this period, the aircraft' and descent rate increased significantly. The aircraft eventually struck a pair of trees on the north-eastern edge of Rutland Water at a high rate of descent, causing the airframe to break up. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the wreckage, the pilot's GPS data, and radio transmissions. The investigation looked into the aircraft's mechanical condition, specifically the fuel system and engine performance. Witnesses near the site provided accounts of the engine noise, with some reporting normal sounds and others describing engine faltering.

Engine examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure. However, investigators noted a non-approved repair to a fuel pipe involving a rubber hose. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flying experience and instrument currency, noting that while the pilot had extensive experience, his instrument rating had expired several years prior.

Findings

  • The aircraft entered thick fog, which significantly reduced visibility to near ground level.
  • The pilot may have descended into the fog to attempt to find clearer air or to locate the destination visually.
  • The aircraft's descent rate increased sharply to approximately 2,300 ft/min just before impact.
  • The pilot may have been forced to descend into the fog due to a potential loss of engine power, though an engine malfunction could not be definitively proven.
  • The pilot's lack of recent instrument currency may have hindered his ability to maintain control while flying solely by reference to instruments.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed after entering dense fog, likely due to a descent prompted by either an attempt to regain visual contact with the ground or a response to a potential engine power issue, compounded by the pilot's lack of instrument flight currency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-02-13 Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II accident near North-eastern edge of Rutland Water, near Empingham, Leicestershire, GB?

A Piper PA-28R-200 crashed into trees near Rutland Water after descending into dense fog, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-02-13 involved a Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow II, registration G-BKFZ, at North-eastern edge of Rutland Water, near Empingham, Leicestershire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed after entering dense fog, likely due to a descent prompted by either an attempt to regain visual contact with the ground or a response to a potential engine power issue, compounded by the pilot's lack of instrument flight currency.

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