What happened
On 16 July 2006, a Slingsby T67M-MkII Firefly, registration G-BUUD, was performing solo aerobatic manoeuvres in good weather conditions near Hoxne, Suffolk. The pilot had taken off from Old Buckenham Airfield earlier that day for a private flight. During the execution of a looping manoeuvre, the aircraft departed from controlled flight at approximately 4,500 ft agl.
Witnesses observed the aircraft enter a spin, which appeared to settle into a stable, upright rotation. As the aircraft descended, the pilot transmitted a 'Mayday' call, describing the situation as a spiral dive from which recovery was impossible. The aircraft continued to descend through a high rate of rotation until it struck a field near two residential properties. The impact was followed by a severe ground fire that destroyed much of the wreckage. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and radar data provided by the National Air Traffic Service. Although the intense post-crash fire destroyed many components, the aircraft's structure remained largely intact upon impact, suggesting a moderate descent rate. Radar data confirmed the aircraft's altitude and track, showing a descent from 5,000 ft to approximately 1,100 ft before impact.
Analysis of the pilot's training records showed he was undergoing an aerobatics course and had recently completed instruction in stalling and spinning. However, his progress was noted as inconsistent. The investigation also considered the possibility of a mechanical failure, but no evidence of pre-impact structural failure or control system jams was found. The engine was found to have stopped rotating prior to impact, though this could have been due to centrifugal effects during the spin.
Findings
- The aircraft entered an unintentional spin during an aerobatic manoeuvre.
- The pilot was performing solo aerobatics without instructor supervision.
- The pilot likely misidentified the spin as a spiral dive, leading to potentially incorrect recovery inputs.
- The pilot was not wearing a parachute, which was available in the aircraft.
- The aircraft's engine stopped rotating, possibly due to fuel supply issues caused by the spin.