News story

AAIB Report: G-AWYI, Loss of control in the air at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire

A Replica Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c aircraft (G-AWYI) was performing a flying display when it entered a descending right turn. The aircraft did not recover from the descent and struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude, 2 September 2020.

G-AWYI at the accident site

The aircraft, a Replica Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, was performing a flying display with several other vintage aircraft when it was seen entering a descending right turn. The aircraft did not recover from the descent and struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude. The pilot suffered serious injuries.

It is likely that the aircraft entered a spin, although the possibility that the initial departure was a spiral dive could not be eliminated. The reason for the departure from controlled flight could not be determined. No pre-existing mechanical defects were found with the aircraft or engine.

Read the report.

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Published 29 April 2021