Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Summary:
The aircraft was on a flight from Temple Bruer airstrip, Lincolnshire to Beccles Aerodrome, Suffolk. The approach was described as unstable. The aircraft bounced on landing and probably stalled. The pilot was fatally injured when the aircraft subsequently struck the ground.
The pilot was familiar with his aircraft and in recent practice, but the landing diverged from his intended plan. Given that he was 87 years old and recognised that he would likely have to stop flying in the near future, it is possible that some age-related deterioration in human performance was a factor in this accident. The investigation highlighted a lack of medical guidance for both pilots and medical professionals, as well as a cohort of private pilots who are not subject to an independent professional assessment of age-related deterioration in piloting ability. Four Safety Recommendations have been made to the CAA, three about the Pilot Medical Declaration and one about the revalidation of ratings.