CONCERN ABOUT the suitability of the Powerscourt airfield for light aircraft operations, following a fatal air crash at the site, has been expressed by the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit.
It issued a preliminary accident report yesterday into the crash of the single engine Super Falco aircraft on Saturday, April 10th.
The crash resulted in the instant death of the sole passenger, Noel Whitney, and the death of the pilot, Dr Michael Slazenger, two days later.
Dr Slazenger was chairman and chief executive of the Powerscourt Estate.
The report said the unit’s investigation was “examining the suitability of the airfield for the operation of this aircraft type and has concerns regarding the general suitability of this airfield for light aircraft operations”.
It made an interim safety recommendation that all operations be suspended at Powerscourt airfield pending completion of its investigation.
The report noted a response from the airfield owner that all operations had been suspended and “runway closed” markings had been installed.
Dr Slazenger (69), a retired anaesthetist, took off from the private airfield at 1.40pm on the day of the crash.
The weather was good with light variable winds. The pilot flew east and then south to Gorey before returning to Powerscourt after about 30 minutes. The pilot then made preparations to land in a procedure which was described as his normal practice. Such a landing required calm or light wind conditions.
When the aircraft was at low altitude, the pilot apparently abandoned the landing attempt and initiated a go-around, the report stated. “The reason for the go-around has yet to be determined.”
The aircraft passed over the runway at low altitude before crossing a road and the boundary fence of Powerscourt Golf Course.
It struck the upper branches of a tree about 71 metres beyond the end of the runway. It went on to hit the ground twice before coming to rest, upside down.
The aircraft then went on fire.
Mr Whitney (66), a friend of Dr Slazenger’s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dr Slazenger was airlifted to hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter. He received treatment at Tallaght and St James’s hospitals but died two days later.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit said its investigators were carrying out a detailed examination of the aircraft wreckage, including the power plant. “The investigation is ongoing and a final report will be published in due course.”
Dr Slazenger’s funeral service heard that he had been flying since the age of 12. His father Ralph owned the Slazenger sports equipment brand.
