Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Socata TB20, registration N700S, powered by one Lycoming IO-540-C4D5 piston engine. It was manufactured in 1986. The pilot, aged 48, held a Private Pilot's Licence with an IMC Rating and had accumulated 800 total flying hours, including 650 hours on type. His recent flying experience included 6 hours in the last 90 days and 6 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight History
The flight was a private journey from Wellesbourne Mountford, Warwickshire, to Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Prior to departure, the pilot obtained a meteorological forecast indicating that the cloudbase at Newtownards would be 600 feet above airfield level. Upon arrival, the actual cloudbase was lower than forecast, prompting the pilot to execute a missed approach with the intention of diverting to Belfast City Airport. Newtownards does not have a published missed approach procedure, but Pooley's Flight Guide contains warnings about high ground near the airfield.
Accident Sequence
During the missed approach, the aircraft struck high ground at an elevation of 700 feet above the airfield level. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. The pilot evacuated the aircraft with minor injuries.
Aftermath
The pilot stated that he was relying on his knowledge of the local area and had failed to take into account the terrain into which he crashed.