Crash pilot underestimated peaks

An Austrian pilot whose light aircraft crashed into a Cairngorm mountain thought the peaks would cause him no problems, a report has revealed.

The 43-year-old escaped with just cuts and bruises after his Cessna ploughed into Mount Keen at 2,600ft in May.

The pilot, who was flying from North America to Austria, was on a leg of the journey from Inverness to Newcastle.

His experience in the Alps led him to underestimate the Cairngorms, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said.

It stated: "On reflection, he (the pilot) considered that he had relaxed after reaching Inverness Airport on his ferry flight and did not properly plan the subsequent legs.

Looking ahead, he saw a mountain about 50 metres away and was unable to alter course before striking the ground Air Accident Investigation Branch

"With his experience of flying in the Alps, he did not consider that the Scottish mountains would cause him any problems."

The report added that during the course of the flight the weather had deteriorated, with the rain becoming heavier and mist setting in.

It stated that the pilot, who was now surrounded by cloud, became aware that the plane had begun a full-scale descent.

"The pilot immediately applied full power but was unable to arrest the descent," it said.

"Looking ahead, he saw a mountain about 50 metres away and was unable to alter course before striking the ground."

After phoning his family, the pilot, who did not want his identity released, was rescued by the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team.