What happened
On July 4, 2014, a pilot operating a Rand KR-2, registration G-BYLB, was conducting a private VFR flight from the Faroe Islands to Egilsstadir, Iceland. The flight was part of a global journey. Based on initial weather forecasts, the pilot believed conditions at the destination would be suitable for visual flight.
As the aircraft approached the east coast of Iceland, the pilot descended from 5,000 feet to 2,000 feet to maintain visual meteorological conditions (VMC). However, the aircraft subsequently entered cloud cover. While attempting to climb to 6,000 feet to clear the clouds, the aircraft's artificial horizon failed. This failure led to significant spatial disorientation, leaving the pilot unable to maintain level flight or determine the aircraft's attitude.
At 16:47 UTC, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call from the aircraft. To manage the emergency, the pilot intentionally entered a spiral descent to reach lower altitudes. The aircraft descended through the clouds to approximately 200 feet, which happened to be over the ocean. Once below the cloud base, the pilot was able to level the aircraft and navigate visually to Egilsstadir, landing without further incident at 17:25 UTC.
The investigation
The RNSA examined the mechanical and environmental factors contributing to the incident. The investigation focused on the failure of the vacuum system that powers the artificial horizon. It was noted that the Rand KR-2 is not equipped for IFR flight and utilizes a non-heated venturi for its vacuum system.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological data from the Icelandic Met Office (IMO). While the pilot had relied on weather information, the investigation found that the conditions at Egilsstadir were not suitable for VFR flight that day. Furthermore, the investigation noted that while weather information was available, much of the specific low-level aviation weather data was published only in Icelandic, which may have impacted the pilot's situational awareness.