A recent report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has shed light on the tragic accident involving a Eurofox 912(S), registered as G-CIEF, which occurred on 26 July 2023.
The aircraft crashed approximately one mile east of Darlton Airfield, near Retford, Nottinghamshire, resulting in the fatal injury of the 75-year-old pilot. The AAIB investigation suggests that the cause of the incident may have been a medical incapacitation of the pilot.
The Incident
The Eurofox 912(S), powered by a Rotax 912ULS engine, was conducting a private aerotow flight when the accident took place. The pilot, who had considerable flying experience with 719 hours logged, had successfully completed a glider tow and release at 3,000 feet before starting his descent back to Darlton Airfield. The descent initially proceeded as normal, with a right turn consistent with standard procedures. However, at around 1,000 feet, the aircraft unexpectedly entered a left turn, deviating away from the planned approach path, and continued in this descending turn until it struck a field.
There were no indications of a technical malfunction that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation further concluded that the aircraft’s structural integrity and control systems were intact before the crash, suggesting no evidence of mechanical failure.
Pilot History and Medical Concerns
The pilot, who held a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence (LAPL), had a history in both powered and glider aviation. He was a trustee of a syndicate that owned the accident aircraft, which was kept at a local gliding club. On the day of the crash, the pilot performed a local solo flight and then completed two aerotow launches. However, the investigation has highlighted that the pilot may have experienced a partial or full medical incapacitation during the final descent.
In 2022, the pilot suffered a stroke that affected his cognitive functions, including speech. Despite eventually being cleared to drive and resuming flying duties, witness reports indicated that the pilot had not fully returned to his previous health, with some describing him as “never quite the same.” While his medical declaration was valid at the time of the flight, the AAIB has acknowledged that the stroke could have left residual effects that were not detectable during postmortem examinations.
Accident Analysis
Recorded data from the Flight Alarm (FLARM) device and dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle helped investigators piece together the final moments of the flight. After releasing the glider, G-CIEF made a right descending turn—standard procedure after a glider tow. However, during the descent, the aircraft passed through the extended centreline of the airfield at an altitude of 1,000 feet, entering an unexpected left turn at a rapid descent rate of approximately 1,800 feet per minute.
The dashcam footage, along with GNSS data, showed that the aircraft continued in the left descending turn until it struck the ground, hitting the field with such force that it suffered structural breakup before finally coming to rest inverted. Despite significant damage, there was no sign of fire, and fuel was recovered from both wing tanks.
Aircraft and Maintenance
The Eurofox 912(S) is a two-seat, high-wing aircraft widely used for glider towing. Manufactured by Aeropro in Slovakia and sold as an amateur build kit, the accident aircraft had been assembled by the syndicate under the supervision of a Light Aircraft Association (LAA) inspector. The aircraft had a valid Permit to Fly and had undergone all required maintenance, including a recent 50-hour check completed two weeks prior to the accident.
Inspection of the wreckage showed no mechanical issues, with the engine—a Rotax 912-ULS—disassembled and examined by specialists who found no mechanical or electrical faults. All damage observed was consistent with the impact forces, rather than any pre-existing condition.
