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Accident involving a Cessna T210M, N761JU, Leeds East Airport, 11 April 2024.

AAIB Report: Fatal accident involving a Cessna T210M, N761JU, Leeds East Airport, 11 April 2024

Safety Recommendation: 2025-009

It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority publish guidance and best practice on the use of autopilots in General Aviation aircraft to improve knowledge and awareness of autopilot functionality, normal procedures, and actions to take in the event of a failure.

The CAA is currently developing safety material and is currently reviewing a first draft of the proposed document, with an aim to publish the document by the end of Q2 2026.

The safety material will aim to provide guidance on the best practice on the use of autopilots in General Aviation aircraft, to improve knowledge and awareness of autopilot functionality, normal procedures, and actions to take in the event of a failure.

As an interim measure, the CAA has also published a Safety Notice SN-2026/005 which promulgates guidance to all organisations managing and maintaining general aviation aircraft and general aviation pilots to ensure autopilot and electric trim systems are functioning correctly.

SN-2026/005 also outlines items to be reviewed prior to flight, immediate actions for trim runaway events, highlights common failure signs, reinforces best practices, and emphasises proper training and reporting requirements.

Open

July 2026