Unrecorded modifications and carrying too much weight was the main reason for a fatal plane crash on Bute, which killed one and left another seriously injured.
Modifications to the plane including heavier propellers and the installation of an autopilot system meant that the plane did not comply with its Permit to Fly according to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
The pilot, who survived the crash, stated that the plane lost power, perhaps as a further result of the modifications, and could no longer climb.
Despite the best attempts to bring the plane safely back on the runway, it crashed into the ground and burst into flames. The pilot survived with 40% burns but was unable to save the other passenger.
Fatal Accident
The incident killed 63-year-old Thomas McGowan, who suffered 80% burns as a result of the accident. Although the accident report stated that there was no significant impact injuries, it did rule that the modifications made to the plane and the additional weight were not the only reason for the crash.
The report said: “G-EWZZ was a home-built aircraft that had been fitted with unrecorded modifications, which meant that it was not in compliance with its Permit to Fly.
“Calculations show that with these modifications the aircraft was likely to have been over its approved MTOW of 600kg when it departed Bute.
“The pilot reported that the aircraft flew satisfactorily on the outbound flight to Bute and that it was during the climb from the airstrip on the return flight to Strathaven that he experienced the symptoms that caused him to believe that he had a partial loss of engine power.
“The lack of performance could have been due to a combination of factors including a technical fault, handling and aircraft weight.”
Video Evidence Suggesting Other Error
Video footage shows that the engine is still running when the plane is down leading investigators to believe that the plane was still producing power and that there could have been a degree of human error or an issue with the plane.
Due to the wreckage it has been difficult to establish what caused the incident and if there was an issue with getting power to certain parts of the plane with the The AAIB stating that damage to the engine and aircraft fuel system meant that it was not possible to establish if there had been a power loss.
The parachute system that was in place on the plane was not used. It awaits to be seen if a fatal accident inquiry will be launched into the accident.
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