What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-08-17 involved a Cessna 402C and Rand KR-2, registration G-EYES and G-BOLZ, at Near Coventry Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was primarily caused by the provision of inaccurate information to the pilots, which hindered their ability to avoid the other aircraft. Contributing factors included the high rate of closure, the small size of the Rand KR-2, and the lack of effective ATC measures to manage traffic priority in the…

Mid-air collision near Coventry Airport claims five lives

A mid-air collision between a Cessna 402C and a Rand KR-2 near Coventry Airport resulted in five fatalities during an ILS calibration flight.

What happened

On 17 August 2008, at approximately 10:36 UTC, a mid-air collision occurred near the Coventry NDB, roughly 3.0 nm from the Runway 23 threshold at Coventry Airport. The accident involved a Cessna 402C, registration G-EYES, which was conducting an ILS calibration training flight, and a Rand KR-2, registration G-BOLZ, which was operating within the visual circuit. The collision took place in Class G uncontrolled airspace. The impact resulted in five fatalities: the four occupants of the G-EYES and the single pilot of the G-BOLZ.

At the time of the impact, the G-BOLZ was crossing the flight path of the G-EYES at a 43-degree angle, with the Cessna 40 02C overtaking the smaller aircraft at a relative speed of approximately 106 knots. The two aircraft had maintained a constant bearing for roughly three minutes prior to the collision. Neither the crew of the G-EYES nor the pilot of the G-BOLZ managed to take effective evasive action.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation established that both aircraft were airworthy and the pilots were properly licensed for their respective operations. The investigation focused on the air traffic control (ATC) sequencing and the communication of flight intentions. It was found that the Aerodrome Controller's plan was based on an incomplete understanding of the G-EYES flight profile. Specifically, while the training booking sheet noted the flight was for ILS calibration, this information was incorrectly recorded on the flight progress strip as 'IRT' (Instrument Rating Training).

Furthermore, the investigation found that the operator of G-EYES had not performed a formal risk analysis for the calibration training, nor had the flight been discussed in safety meetings. The controller was also unaware that the G-BOLZ had not yet completed its base leg, as the sequencing plan incorrectly suggested it was turning final inside the Coventry NDB.

Findings

The primary cause of the collision was that insufficient or inaccurate information was provided to the pilots, preventing them from fulfilling their duty to avoid other aircraft.
The small size of the G-BOLZ and its position relative to the G-EYES, combined with a high rate of closure, made it difficult for the G-EYES crew to see the aircraft in time.
The pilot of the G-BOLZ was not notified of the approaching G-EYES on the ILS.
The sightline from the front right seat of the G-EYES was likely obstructed by the windscreen central pillar.
There were no effective mechanisms in place to grant priority to the G-EYES within the visual circuit.

Safety action

Following the investigation, a safety recommendation was issued to the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that Aerodrome Control requirements for issuing instructions to aircraft are strictly followed to maintain a safe and orderly flow of traffic.