Report into fatal accident involving a Eurofox 912(S) (G-CIEF), approx 1 mile to the east of Darlton Airfield, near Retford, Nottinghamshire, 26 July 2023
Following the successful tow and release of a glider at 3,000 ft, the accident aircraft G-CIEF began a descent to return to the departure airfield. The initial descent, during which the aircraft was in a right turn, appeared normal and consistent with previous flights. However, passing through 1,000 ft, the aircraft entered a left turn away from the final approach path for the airfield. The aircraft remained in a descending left turn until it struck a field approximately 1 nm from the airfield. The pilot was fatally injured.
There was no evidence of a technical malfunction. Although the postmortem report did not indicate that a medical event had occurred, on consideration of all the evidence available, including the pilot's previous medical history, the investigation determined that the pilot may have experienced a partial or full medical incapacitation which rendered him incapable of controlling the aircraft.
