Casualties unknown

2018-07-19: Auster 6A Tugmaster (G-APRO) — Old Buckenham Airport, Norfolk, GB

Old Buckenham Airport, Norfolk, GB

On July 19, 2018, an Auster 6A Tugmaster (registration G-APRO) was involved in an aviation accident near Old Buckenham Airport, Norfolk, GB. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Misjudgement of the landing. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered G-APRO
Aircraft registered G-APRO. Photo: Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An Auster 6A Tugmaster stalled on final approach at Old Buckenham Airfield after the pilot misjudged the landing, causing the aircraft to drop from about 10 ft and damage the landing gear, engine cowling, and propeller. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview

On 19 July 2018 at 1413 UTC, an Auster 6A Tugmaster (registration G-APRO) operated by a private pilot was on final approach to land on Runway 07L (Grass) at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk. The pilot reported that the airspeed during the approach was too low, which led to the aircraft stalling and dropping to the ground from a height of approximately 10 ft. The impact collapsed the landing gear and caused damage to the engine cowling and propeller.

Aircraft and Crew Details

The aircraft, serial number WJ370, was manufactured in 1946 and was powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major 10 Mk 1-1 piston engine. The 67-year-old commander held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 294 hours, of which 83 hours were on type. His recent flying experience included 43 hours in the last 90 days and 17 hours in the last 28 days. There were two crew members on board and no passengers. The crew reported no injuries.

Damage

The landing gear collapsed, and the engine cowling and propeller sustained damage. The aircraft was otherwise intact.

Probable Cause

The pilot stated that the accident resulted from a misjudgement of the landing.