What happened
On 10 January 2006, a Reims Cessna FA152, registration G-MPBH, was conducting a training flight near Nair and Forres, Scotland. The purpose of the flight was to practice forced landings without engine power. The flight began at 3,000 ft agl, and after successfully identifying a landing area and completing touch-and-go drills, the instructor took control of the aircraft.
While flying at approximately 20 ft agle to demonstrate a successful landing approach to the student, the instructor attempted a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a single-line power cable. The instructor felt and heard the impact but maintained control of the aircraft. Unable to land immediately due to the obstacle, the instructor climbed to 500 ft agl and requested that the student inspect the aircraft for any damage. The aircraft subsequently returned to RAF Kinloss, where it landed without further incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the site of the impact. An inspection of G-MPBH revealed that the upper portion of the fin and rudder, which included the rotating beacon and an aerial, had been severed by the wire. At the site, it was confirmed that the cable had been cut. The instructor noted that while adjacent telegraph poles were present, they were obscured by nearby pine trees, which prevented a clear warning of the wire's presence.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a single-line power cable during a low-level demonstration.
- The lack of visibility of telegraph poles due to surrounding pine trees prevented the crew from identifying the hazard in time.
- There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator amended its flying orders to ensure that practice forced landings are not conducted below a height of 100 ft agl.