AAIB investigation to Cessna 172S, G-CBXJ

Aircraft flew into the sea, Irish Sea near Puffin Island, Anglesey, 25 November 2019.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 29 October 2020

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 25 November 2019
• Aircraft type: Cessna 172S
• Location: Near Puffin Island, Anglesey
• Registration: G-CBXJ

Summary:

The aircraft was on a local flight when it descended into the sea, killing the pilot. No definitive cause for the accident could be found. There was no evidence of a structural failure leading to the accident and a trial to replicate the final flight profile discounted a full or partial engine failure. The trial concluded that it was likely the aircraft required an input on the controls in order to enter and maintain the recorded final descent path. The pilot had recently been unwell but there was no evidence of medical incapacitation, although this could not be dismissed as a possible cause.

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Cessna 172S, G-CBXJ 12-20

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Glossary of abbreviations

Published 29 October 2020