Plane which crashed in Powys did not have safety permit

The Air Accidents Investigations Branch found that the light aircraft which crashed near Castle Caereinion in June 2023 had been without a valid permit to fly for more than a year.

The report found that the plane's engine failed not long after taking off – leaving the 68-year-old pilot and his passenger with “serious" injuries.

There was a large emergency response which closed the A458 trunk road. (Image: Matt Tonks)

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“Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power and the aircraft struck the ground. The cause of the power loss was not determined," the report said.

“The pilot did not provide further information as to a possible cause of the loss of engine power. The AAIB noted that the aircraft’s Permit To Fly was not valid at the time of the accident and had expired in May 2022.”

The crash saw the plane plummet 50 feet after the failure and landing in a driveway off the near to a junction with the A458, and the crash saw several fire and police vehicles responding to the incident.

Investigators added that the pilot reported the accident happened shortly after take-off from a private grass airstrip, described as firm and dry.

“Weather conditions were reported as CAVOK [Ceiling And Visibility OK] with scattered clouds and a temperature of 20°C. Weather recordings in the area indicated temperatures at that time of approximately 24°C with a dew point of 8°C and a north-easterly wind of about 3kt gusting 10kt.

“The pilot stated that external and power checks were satisfactory prior to the flight. However, the engine lost power at an estimated height of 50 ft agl after takeoff and the aircraft struck the ground.

“The attending emergency services advised that the aircraft came to rest on the driveway to a farm. Both the pilot and passenger, who were wearing full harnesses, suffered serious injuries.”