AAIB Report: Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat, Fatal accident at Troutbeck Airfield, Cumbria

The aircraft, a Cessna FRA150L, Aerobat (G-CIIR) landed at Troutbeck Airfield with its pilot and a passenger without the required permission. 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. On the subsequent takeoff the aircraft was seen to depart controlled flight seconds after getting airborne and strike the ground. The pilot was fatally injured.

The investigation 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 heed the advice not to operate into grass, performance-limiting airfields, did not obtain PPR and was probably not on the correct radio frequency on arrival. 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.

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 short cuts are taken or good advice is not heeded.

Read the report.

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