AAIB investigation to Cessna 172S, G-CFIO

Suspected suicide, field off Tar Pot Lane, Ruckinge, Kent, 10 September 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 14 April 2022

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 10 September 2021
• Aircraft type: Cessna 172S
• Location: Ruckinge, Kent
• Registration: G-CFIO

Summary:

At 0958 hrs on 10 September 2021, without permission from the operator or clearance from the air traffic radio operator, a student pilot took off from Rochester Airport in G-CFIO. The aircraft was later observed to enter a steep descent to the left before it struck the ground in a field adjacent to Tar Pot Lane near Ruckinge in Kent. The pilot did not survive the accident.

Immediately prior to taking off, the pilot had reported over the aircraft radio that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and indicated that he intended to deliberately crash the aircraft. The pilot had not declared his diagnosis to the doctor who issued his aviation medical certificate.

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Cessna 172S, G-CFIO 04-22

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Published 14 April 2022