What happened
On 7 February 2002, a Cessna F150F, registration G-ATOE, was conducting a private flight from Blackpool to Popham. The pilot had previously stopped at Blackpool to address engine issues, which had been partially resolved by replacing a spark plug. Despite concerns regarding high winds and deteriorating weather, the pilot departed Blackpool at 1438 hrs.
During the flight, the pilot navigated through low cloud and hilly terrain, eventually flying south-west towards Hanningually. At approximately 1714 hrs, the aircraft struck and severed an earth cable running between electricity pylons. The impact caused a visible flash and a loud bang, which local residents initially mistook for lightning. The aircraft travelled 170 metres after the strike before impacting wet ground. The pilot was located by engineers investigating the power line fault but tragically died in the hospital later that evening.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the aircraft was structurally intact at the moment of the cable strike. Analysis of the GPS unit confirmed the flight path had been adjusted to avoid higher terrain, but the aircraft was ultimately flying in poor visibility and low cloud. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's fuel levels, noting that only about 18 litres remained, leaving roughly 10 minutes of usable fuel.
Engineers from the National Grid and the local electricity company confirmed that the broken cable was an earth cable. The investigation also looked into the meteorological conditions, noting that the pilot was flying in a period of significant weather fronts, characterized by low cloud bases and heavy rain in the Hampshire area.
Findings
- The pilot was operating in deteriorating weather conditions with low cloud and poor visibility.
- The aircraft was running extremely low on fuel, with approximately 10 minutes of usable fuel remaining.
- The flight was taking place during the onset of nightfall, further reducing visibility.
- The pilot was not in contact with any Air Traffic Control service during the final leg of the flight.
- The aircraft struck an electricity earth cable, which was approximately 100 feet above the ground.