Accident Overview
On 17 February 2019 at 1250 UTC, an Aero AT-3 R100, registration G-SACW, sustained damage during takeoff at Sherburn-in-Elmet Aerodrome, North Yorkshire. The aircraft was conducting a training flight with one pilot and one passenger. Neither occupant was injured.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, manufactured in 2010, was powered by a single Rotax 912-S2 piston engine. The pilot, aged 60, held an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 17,566 flight hours, including 25 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 109 hours, with 44 in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll on grass Runway 19, the aircraft passed over a hump in the runway at approximately 40 kt and became airborne. The pilot reported that, because the aircraft was below flying speed, he reduced the pitch attitude slightly. However, the nose continued to drop, and when it contacted the runway, the nosewheel detached. The aircraft came to a stop shortly afterward, and the pilot shut down the engine.
Damage
The nosewheel, nose landing gear, propeller, and fuselage skin below the engine were damaged.