What happened
On 18 June 1998, a Socata TB20, registration N700S, was conducting a private flight from Wellesbourne Mountford, Warwickshire, to Newtownards, Northern Ireland. Upon approaching the destination, the pilot reviewed a meteorological forecast suggesting a cloudbase of 600 feet above the airfield. However, the actual cloudbase encountered was lower than predicted.
Following the arrival attempt, the pilot initiated a missed approach with the intention of diverting to Belfast City Airport. While performing this maneuver, the aircraft impacted high ground at an altitude of 700 feet above the airfield level. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and its destruction. The pilot was able to evacuate the wreckage and sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the pilot's decision-making during the approach. It was noted that while no formal missed approach procedure is published for Newtownards, existing flight guides, such as Pooley's Flight Guide, contain specific warnings regarding the proximity of high terrain to the airfield.
Findings
- The pilot relied on personal knowledge of the local area rather than strictly accounting for the terrain.
- The pilot failed to adequately account for the high ground into which the aircraft crashed during the missed approach maneuver.