A brand new pilot, 72, mistook the A1 motorway for a runway throughout his first solo evening flight and by chance descended to 300ft whereas searching for the proper touchdown spot.
An investigation report discovered that the unnamed aged pilot, with simply 233 hours of flight expertise, mistook highway lights for runway lights on 9 January 2022.
He drifted his plane south of Newcastle Worldwide Airport and by chance descended to round 300ft as he looked for the runway.
Realising he was flying at a decrease degree than meant, the pilot managed to ascend, highlighting ‘the elevated danger from distraction…in conditions the place exterior visible cues are decreased’ based on the report.
An unnamed 72-year-old pilot drifted south of Newcastle Worldwide Airport as he mistook the A1 twin carriageway for a runway (picture reveals the pilot’s approximate observe and altitude)
The pilot was capable of degree the Reims Cessna F172M Mild Plane and head again in the direction of the airfield.
Newcastle Air Site visitors Management then helped the pilot discover the runway and he was capable of safely land the plane.
The pilot was on his first solo evening flight and was later assisted by Newcastle Air Site visitors Management to seek out the runway
There have been no different passengers travelling onboard and nobody was injured through the incident.
After a ‘debrief and an extended floor temporary on Newcastle options and radio procedures’, the pilot’s teacher allowed him to proceed his night-flying coaching.
