What happened
On 23 May 1998, a Reims Cessna F152, registration G-BIIJ, departed Leicester Airport for a planned trip to Blackpool. The flight was intended to be a private excursion, with the pilot and one passenger traveling for a social event. Before departure, the pilot had checked the weather forecast, which indicated generally good conditions, though he was advised to watch for low cloud near the coast.
During the flight, the pilot requested multiple descents to maintain visual meteorological conditions (VMC). While communicating with East Midlands Approach, the pilot was warned of low-lying cloud. Eventually, the pilot reported entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and requested navigational assistance. Despite being advised by Manchester Approach that the minimum safe altitude in the area was 2,600 feet and being suggested to divert, the pilot expressed an intention to proceed to his destination by flying toward the coast.
After losing radio contact with air traffic control, the aircraft was tracked on radar moving westward. At approximately 1115 hours, radar contact was lost. The aircraft subsequently struck a small ledge on the east side of the south peak of Tryfan at an altitude of 2,540 feet. The impact destroyed the cockpit and wings, and both occupants sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's wreckage, weather reports, and the pilot's flight planning. Engineering analysis of the G-BIIJ showed the engine was under significant power at the time of impact. Investigators also reviewed the meteorological data, noting a discrepancy between the initial forecast and the actual weather, which included rain, drizzle, and low cloud bases.
Post-mortem examinations provided critical information regarding the occupants. While no disease was found to have contributed to the accident, toxicology reports revealed the presence of cannabis and amphet 1etamines in both the pilot and the passenger. The levels of amphetamine suggested recent moderate ingestion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was poor decision-making regarding the decision to continue the flight despite deteriorating weather and the failure to divert or return to Leicester.
- The pilot's inexperience and a desire to reach the destination contributed to the decision to proceed into worsening conditions.
- The actual weather conditions were significantly worse than the forecast provided to the pilot prior to departure.
- The presence of drugs in the pilot's system may have potentially affected decision-making processes, although a definitive link to the crash was not conclusively proven.