Report into fatal accident involving a Piper PA-28-180 (G-AYUH), near Stanley Hall, Halstead Hall, Essex on 21 August 2023
Whilst approaching Earls Colne Airfield, the pilot of G-AYUH encountered weather that was not compatible with flight under VFR. The airfield was in fog, but this was not relayed to the pilot when he requested airfield details. Following an attempted track reversal manoeuvre and climb, the aircraft departed from controlled flight and struck trees and terrain, fatally injuring the pilot.
Safety action has been taken by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the operator of Earls Colne Airfield. The CAA Published a Safety Notice and a Supplementary Amendment to CAP 452 to highlight those occasions when radio operators should provide pilots with additional information for the purpose of alerting them to hazards and avoiding immediate danger. The airfield operator introduced additional processes to provide guidance to radio operators on reporting of weather conditions at the airfield to pilots.