What happened
On October 14, 2000, a P84 Jet Provost T3A, registration G-BWZE, was performing a series of sightseeing flights from Lelyst andstad Airport. During the third flight of the day, shortly after takeoff at an altitude of approximately 450 feet, the pilot and passenger heard a hissing sound. This was followed by hot air entering the cockpit after the flaps had been selected to the 'up' position.
Believing a hydraulic failure might be imminent, the pilot immediately selected the landing gear to the down position to ensure it would remain extended. The pilot then attempted to turn back to the departure runway to perform an emergency landing and notified air traffic control of the situation. While executing a crosswind turn toward the final approach, the aircraft began to vibrate significantly, and the pilot struggled to maintain control. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and struck the ground just outside the airport perimeter, sliding through the grass before coming to a halt. The accident resulted in one injury and substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
Technical inspections of the P84 Jet Provost T3A revealed that the air duct responsible for the cockpit windscreen heating and anti-icing system had worn away, which allowed hot air to leak into the cockpit. Investigators found no evidence to support the pilot's concern regarding a hydraulic malfunction.
Findings
- The primary cause of the loss of control was an aerodynamic stall during the turn toward the final approach.
- The stall was facilitated by the pilot's decision to reduce power to return to the airport.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to use flaps during the maneuver and an increasing tailwind component during the initial part of the turn.