AAIB investigation to Cessna FRA150L, G-PPFS

Aircraft did not recover from a spin, Near Thorganby, North Yorkshire, 28 July 2024

The aircraft entered a fully developed spin to the left but, when recovery actions were commenced, the control column was not pushed far enough forward to un-stall the wing. The aircraft therefore remained in a spin until it struck the ground.

The pilot was newly rated for aerobatic flying, and it was likely that the spin recovery technique had not yet become a skill-based response that he could apply effectively even when surprised.

The accident highlighted how unexpectedly challenging it can be to recover from multiple-turn spins.

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Cessna FRA150L, G-PPFS 05-26

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Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2026