What happened
On 5 April 2008, a Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, registration G-BSYC, was conducting a private flight from Carlisle to Wick. During the journey, the pilot encountered severe weather and icing conditions, prompting a decision to divert to Aberdeen. While descending from 8,300 ft to 4,000 ft amsl, the aircraft entered a series of turns. Radar data indicated the aircraft performed a 360-degree left turn before tracking back toward higher terrain. At approximately 09:45 hrs, the aircraft struck the northern flank of Cairn Gorm, approximately 150 ft below the summit. The impact resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, which was found near the top station of the Cairn Gorm funicular railway. The investigation established that the engine was delivering power at the time of impact and the aircraft was in a level attitude at cruising speed. The wreckage showed that the aircraft had struck rising ground, causing the nose and propeller to hit the rocks. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which confirmed an Arctic Maritime airmass was present, bringing heavy snow, low visibility, and freezing temperatures to the region. Additionally, the pilot's radio communications were noted to be broken and difficult to understand during the final stages of the flight.
Findings
- The pilot was flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) but was not qualified to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- The aircraft was not cleared for flight in icing conditions.
- The pilot encountered severe weather and icing, which likely increased the workload and prompted the diversion.
- The aircraft's descent and subsequent turns brought it into proximity with high terrain while the pilot was experiencing communication difficulties.
- The pilot's shoulder restraint was not fastened at the time of the accident.