Grob G109B (G-CHYB), aircraft pitched down from final approach and struck trees before coming to rest on the A419 near Aston Down Airfield, Gloucestershire, 27 August 2024
The aircraft was on the late stage of final approach to Aston Down Airfield when it pitched down rapidly. The aircraft struck trees and then came to rest on the A419. Both those on board were injured and taken to hospital by the emergency services. The aircraft was severely damaged and the A419 was closed for several hours. The passenger, an experienced glider pilot, was flying the approach. The passenger's gliding experience meant that they would normally fly the approach with their right hand on the control column and their left hand controlling the rate of descent using the airbrake handle. Flying the Grob 109 from the right seat, this control arrangement was reversed. When attempting to reduce the rate of descent, the passenger inadvertently pushed forward on the control column which caused a rapid increase in the rate of descent which could not be corrected before the aircraft struck the ground.
