What happened
On 22 July 2006, a Shadow Series CD, registration G-MYUS, departed Old Sarum Airfield for a local flight. The pilot initially performed several touch-and-go circuits before climbing to 1,200 ft and navigating toward Alderbury. During the flight, the pilot observed lightning to the northeast and adjusted the flight path to bypass Salisbury from the west.
As the aircraft passed south of Salisbury, the weather conditions worsened significantly. The pilot experienced rapidly declining visibility and increasing wind speeds, necessitating a descent to maintain visual contact with the terrain. While attempting a precautionary landing, the aircraft entered an area of torrential rain and strong winds. This sudden weather change resulted in a total loss of visual attitude reference. During this period, the engine failed. The aircraft subsequently struck a wheat field with great force, resulting in severe airframe damage. A strong gust of wind caused the partially detached right wing to land on the cockpit canopy, which provided the pilot with shelter from the rain.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the impact. While the aircraft owner suggested that rainwater contamination in the engine filters might have caused the engine to stop, investigators determined that the pilot's decision-making regarding the weather was the primary factor. The pilot himself acknowledged that he had failed to sufficiently react to the rapidly deteriorating meteorological conditions.
Findings
- The pilot encountered extreme weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, which led to a loss of visual reference.
- The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was enveloped in torrential rain.
- The pilot's failure to recognize and act upon the rapidly worsening weather conditions was the primary cause of the accident.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries and remained in the wreckage until help arrived via his mobile phone.