Calls for more training after fatal plane crash in Somerset in August 2021
Pilot Joe Mann from Devon and his passenger both died two years ago when they hit a tree trying to land
Last updated 14th Jun 2024
Plane crash investigators are recommending changes to the way pilots are supported in emergencies, after a fatal crash at Lower Colley Farm, Buckland St. Mary in Somerset in August 2021.
Pilot Joe Mann from Devon and his passenger were both killed when they hit a tree trying to land after getting into difficulty.
Joe took off in a Mudry Cap 10B (G-BXBU) from a farm near Taunton but found himself above unexpected cloud cover - which he wasn't qualified to fly in.
According to a report from investigators air traffic controllers didn't realise this, recommended he land at an airport where the clouds were low and he crashed trying to follow their instructions.
The investigation into the crash identified what's been called 'shortcomings in the system' in place across the UK which gives emergency support to aircraft in distress, like the one pilot Joe Mann was flying at the time.
It concluded there was an 'absence of active decision making' by those providing the air traffic control service, who didn't receive the right information about the aircraft and its pilot - which made the situation uncertain.
As a result of the investigation, seven Safety Recommendations have been made, five to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and two to the Department for Transport (DfT), which will also be addressed by the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) that oversees the Distress and Division Cell (D&D).
Investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have concluded not enough was done to establish Joe's ability and air traffic controllers need to be given more training.
The Civil Aviation Authority are recommended to:
- Publish guidance for general aviation pilots on responding to unexpected weather deterioration
- Require air traffic controllers to receive training regarding the human performance characteristics and limitations associated with stress
- Specify the types of information that air traffic controllers will obtain and record when responding to aircraft in an emergency to ensure that pilots’ needs are met and reported correctly if communicated to other air traffic control units
- Encourage the use of checklists in air traffic management operations when dealing with abnormal and emergency situations
- Determine the effect the D&D Cell’s executive control has on civil Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) and inform civil ATCOs of any differences in their responsibilities whilst executive control is exercised.
The Department for Transport are recommended to:
- Review the current provision of emergency communications in the UK to determine if the involvement of a dedicated emergency air traffic service unit is the most effective way to assist civil aircraft in an emergency, and publish its findings
- Specify and publish details of the emergency air traffic service it requires the D&D Cell to provide.