Fatal Stall Accident Involving Restored Auster AOP.9

Casualties unknown • Spanhoe Airfield, Northamptonshire, GB

A recently restored Auster AOP.9 crashed shortly after takeoff from Spanhoe Airfield, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

What happened

On 18 June 2017, an Auster AOP.9, registration G-BXON, departed from controlled flight during a private flight from Spanhoe Airfield in Northamptonshire. The aircraft, which had been recently rebuilt and restored, was being flown by a pilot performing only his second flight on the type.

Shortly after takeoff from Runway 2t, witnesses observed the aircraft bank sharply to the left and enter a steep descent. The aircraft struck the ground to the left of the runway, leading to an intense post-impact fire. The pilot sustained one fatal injury, while the passenger sustained one serious injury. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.

The investigation

The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's recent restoration, maintenance documentation, and the pilot's experience. The pilot had 409 total flying hours, but only 0.5 hours of experience on this specific aircraft type. Investigators reviewed flight data from a video of a flight conducted the previous day to assess performance.

Technical examination of the wreckage revealed that the aircraft's stall speeds were significantly higher than standard figures for the type, and its rate of climb was lower than expected. Furthermore, investigators identified stress corrosion cracking in several rivets used to secure the aileron control rod attachment points. While these failed rivets were not the direct cause of the crash, their condition highlighted potential issues in the maintenance and inspection of rebuilt aircraft.

Findings

  • The aircraft stalled at a low altitude following takeoff, leaving insufficient height for the pilot to recover.
  • The Auster AOP.9 lacked an artificial stall warning device, and its performance characteristics—specifically higher stall speeds and a reduced rate of climb—deviated from published data.
  • The pilot was operating with very limited experience on this specific aircraft type.
  • Evidence of intergranular stress corrosion cracking was found in the aileron control rod rivets.
  • The investigation noted anomalies in engine and aircraft performance that may have acted as a distraction during the critical phase of flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall at a low altitude following takeoff from which recovery was not possible, exacerbated by the aircraft's higher-than-normal stall speeds and the absence of a stall warning device.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-06-18 Auster AOP.9 accident near Spanhoe Airfield, Northamptonshire, GB?

A recently restored Auster AOP.9 crashed shortly after takeoff from Spanhoe Airfield, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-06-18 involved a Auster AOP.9, registration G-BXON , at Spanhoe Airfield, Northamptonshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered a stall at a low altitude following takeoff from which recovery was not possible, exacerbated by the aircraft's higher-than-normal stall speeds and the absence of a stall warning device.

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