What happened
On 9 November 2005, a Quad City Challenger II, registration G-MZHO, was conducting a private local flight from a private airstrip near Barling Magna, Essex. The flight, which lasted roughly one hour and 40 minutes, began in favorable weather conditions with good visibility and light winds.
As the pilot approached the airstrip for a westerly landing, the position of the sun became a critical factor. While the initial approach offered an unrestricted view, the low sun obscured the cockpit's visibility as the aircraft slowed for landing. At approximately 100 ft altitude and only 100 m from the landing threshold, the pilot lost the ability to see outside the aircraft or clearly monitor the cockpit instruments. This disorientation led to the left wing striking the upper branches of a tree. The impact triggered a stall, causing the aircraft to crash and come to rest upside down in a ditch.
Both occupants sustained injuries. The passenger suffered bruising to the head, body, and legs, but was able to use a mobile phone to summon help. The pilot sustained a serious head injury and required air ambulance transport to a hospital. The aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the loss of control and the physical state of the aircraft. It was noted that the engine remained attached to its mounts and the cabin structure remained largely intact, which likely prevented more severe injuries to the occupants.
Investigators also looked into the safety precautions taken by the crew. The pilot admitted that the lap restraints were not tightened sufficiently to prevent his head from striking the cabin roof during the inversion. Additionally, the crew were not wearing helmets during the flight. The pilot noted that while he had previously diverted to other airfields to avoid landing into the sun, he had not done so on this occasion.