An investigation has concluded that opportunities were missed to prevent the crash which led to the death of a pilot in Cumbria.
The aircraft, a Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat (G-CIIR) landed at Troutbeck Airfield, between Penrith and Keswick, with its pilot and a passenger without the required permission on October 11 last year.
As the conditions on the day meant the aircraft’s takeoff performance from Troutbeck would be marginal, the airfield owner instructed the pilot to depart solo in order to improve the aircraft’s performance by reducing its takeoff weight.
Shortly after the subsequent takeoff, the aircraft was seen striking the ground. The pilot was fatally injured.
An investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch identified a number of shortcomings with the preparation for the flight that contributed to the accident.
In addition, opportunities were missed to prevent the accident because the pilot did not obtain a Prior Permission Required form, which briefs the pilot about the flight, he was not on the correct radio frequency on arrival and being a newly qualified pilot the plan to go to Troutbeck was “beyond his experience”.
It is likely that the pilot did not fasten his shoulder harness, against the strong advice of his instructor, and this action may have meant the accident became unsurvivable, the report said.
The report reads: “Flying for any pilot is a continual learning process whether they are newly qualified or very experienced. However, newly qualified pilots should be very careful to make sure they fly within the limits of their experience.
“This accident highlights the fact that thorough preparation is essential for every flight, and accidents can happen if shortcuts are taken or good advice is not heeded.”
