History of the Flight
On 2 November 2007 at 1445 UTC, a Reims Cessna F152 Aerobat (registration G-BFZT) was conducting a private solo navigation exercise near Weston, Shropshire. The pilot, a 59-year-old student with 102 hours total flying experience (97 on type), had difficulty locating the first turning point and decided to abort the exercise and return to Shobdon Airfield. The previous day, he had flown the planned route with his instructor, during which carburettor icing had been encountered and correctly managed.
During the solo flight, the aircraft repeatedly suffered from carburettor icing, requiring frequent applications of carburettor heat. On the return leg, the engine ran increasingly roughly, and the use of carburettor heat seemed less effective. The pilot returned the carburettor heat to the cold setting and elected to make a precautionary landing in a field.
He commenced an approach to a field but performed a go-around upon noticing sheep. He then approached a different field and, when committed to landing, shut down the engine, switched off the fuel, master switch, and magnetos. The touchdown appeared normal, but the aircraft slowed rapidly, the nose leg dug into the ground, and the aircraft pitched forward onto its back. Ground marks indicated the main wheels touched down first, and the nose gear collapsed afterward due to digging into soft ground or hitting a hole.
The pilot, wearing a four-point harness, sustained only minor injuries. He released himself from the harness and exited through the passenger window. No distress calls were made, but a passing motorist contacted emergency services.
Meteorological Conditions
The forecast weather along the route predicted a temperature of +12°C and a dew point of +11°C. According to the AAIB, these conditions present a potential for serious carburettor icing regardless of the power setting. The instructor had deemed the weather suitable because the student was trained to handle carburettor icing and had dealt with it correctly during the previous day's flight. Following this accident, the instructor revised his briefing to emphasize that carburettor heat should be maintained even if the engine initially runs more roughly, until the ice clears.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage including the nosewheel breaking off, and damage to the fuselage, wings, and propeller.