What happened
On 10 July 2003, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, registration G-BOCC, departed Tollerton Airport for Caernarfon. The pilot, intending to attend a business meeting, had planned a direct route across the mountains of Snowdonia. During the flight, the pilot contacted Liverpool ATC to request a climb to 4,000 feet, but later ceased radio contact after being advised to switch to RAF Valley frequency.
GPS data and radar tracking indicate that the aircraft began a series of altitude changes while traversing the area. At approximately 0945, three hill walkers near Elidir Fawr reported hearing an aircraft passing through heavy fog and rain, followed shortly by the sound of an impact. The wreckage was located later that afternoon. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries but survived the crash.
The investigation
The investigation relied on wreckage examination, radar data, GPS records, and witness accounts, as the pilot was unable to recall the flight due to trauma. Engineers found no mechanical failures in the engine or flight controls that could have caused the accident. Evidence from witnesses suggested the engine was still under power at the moment of impact.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's flight planning and weather information. While the pilot had consulted the Caernarfon Airport manager that morning, the information provided was unofficial. The investigation noted that the pilot had not filed a flight plan, which delayed the initiation of search and rescue operations.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the terrain approximately 85 metres from the summit of Elidir Fawr.
- The pilot likely encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while attempting to navigate through deteriorating weather.
- The aircraft's descent and subsequent flight path suggest an attempt to stay clear of cloud layers, which eventually led to controlled flight into terrain.
- The pilot's reliance on unofficial weather information from a phone call, rather than official meteorological forecasts, meant the true severity of the weather over the mountains was likely underestimated.