What happened
On 28 November 2005, a Taylorcraft F-21, registration G-BPJV, was conducting a private flight from Shobdon Airfield to Enstone Airfield. After a brief period of local flying, the pilot departed Shobdon at approximately 1400 hrs. While approaching Worcester at an altitude of 2,400 ft, the pilot observed clouds developing along the planned route. In an attempt to avoid the weather, the pilot turned the aircraft south toward clearer skies; however, the aircraft was quickly caught in a heavy snow storm.
As visibility became severely restricted and the ground was lost from view, the pilot attempted to fly using instruments to maintain a wings-level attitude. During this period of extreme difficulty, the pilot was unable to issue a distress call. The aircraft lost altitude and struck trees at an elevation of 1,000 ft in Corndean Wood, located roughly 5 km northeast of Cheltenham. The impact tore the left wing from the aircraft, though the fuselage remained upright. The pilot sustained minor injuries but was able to exit the wreckage and contact emergency services via mobile phone.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the pilot's flight path. While the initial forecast suggested only a possibility of rain showers, a subsequent update issued at 1343 hrs warned of potential weather deterioration. However, this update likely reached the pilot while she was preparing for departure. Meteorological data from Gloucester airport confirmed that between 1420 hrs and 1520 hrs, conditions had transitioned from broken cloud and high visibility to overcast skies with rain and snow showers, resulting in ground visibility of only 2.5 km.
Findings
- The aircraft was caught in a heavy snow storm that caused a rapid loss of visibility.
- The pilot became too occupied with maintaining flight control in the difficult conditions to transmit a distress signal.
- The aircraft's left wing was separated from the airframe upon impact with the trees.