What happened
During a private flight originating from Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man, an aircraft was approaching Fairoaks Airport for landing. Prior to arrival, the pilot reviewed the Farnborough ATIS, which indicated visibility of 4,000 meters in mist. The pilot and passenger decided to attempt a landing at Fairover but maintained a plan to divert to Farnborough if conditions deteriorated. At the time of the approach, Fairoaks reported a visibility of 4,500 meters and light winds.
To maintain visual contact with the runway amidst low-lying mist, the pilot flew a downwind leg closer to the runway than standard procedures dictate. During this phase, the pilot performed pre-landing checks, including the deployment of landing gear and flaps. As the aircraft transitioned from the downwind leg to the final approach, the pilot noted the aircraft was slightly low. While attempting to maintain the approach speed and correct the flight path after crossing the extended centerline, the aircraft entered a significant bank.
The pilot attempted to correct the bank angle using aileron and forward pressure on the control column, but the aircraft rolled rapidly in the opposite direction. Despite an attempt to pull back on the control column to prevent a descent, the aircraft struck the ground. The impact occurred on flat ground approximately 500 meters from Runway 24, where the aircraft slid for 85 meters before stopping near a treeline. The impact caused the landing gear to detach and a fuel tank to rupture. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained injuries, though both remained conscious and were able to evacuate the wreckage.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in conditions of low visibility due to mist.
- The pilot utilized a non-standard, tighter downwind leg to maintain visual contact with the airfield.
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control during the final approach phase.