What happened
On 27 June 2017, an Aero AT-3 R100, registration G-SYEL, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot who had been prepared to perform their first solo circuit. At the time of the flight, the weather conditions included a 6kt wind from 090º, 10km visibility, and an overcast ceiling of 1,500 ft, though light rain had moved into the circuit area.
After a normal departure, the pilot maintained 900 ft altitude on the downwind leg and deployed the first stage of flaps. As the aircraft transitioned to the final approach, full flaps were extended at approximately 65kt. While both the student and the monitoring instructor initially perceived the approach as normal, the aircraft made a flat touchdown. This resulted in several bounces on the grass runway, during which the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to come to a halt. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the aircraft's mechanical state. The investigation noted that the pilot experienced a reduction in visibility due to the onset of light rain during the circuit. The pilot reported that the approach felt slightly fast and expressed a reluctance to perform a go-around due to the deteriorating weather conditions. The investigation also looked into the physical impact of the landing on the aircraft's structure, noting damage to two propeller tips and the failure of the nosegear.
Findings
- The landing was characterized by a flat touchdown and subsequent bounces on the runway surface.
- The pilot suggested that the approach speed may have contributed to a Pilot Induced Oscillation (PIO), which likely led to the collapse of the nose landing gear.
- The presence of light rain during the circuit influenced the pilot's decision-making, specifically regarding the decision not to execute a go-around.