What happened
On 17 June 2025, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-AYSH, departed Retreat Farm, Essex, for a flight to Nayland Airfield in Suffolk. The aircraft, a single-seat wooden construction, followed a flight path that included a climb to 1,450 ft amsl near Colchester before initiating a descent toward Runway 3 and establishing a straight-in approach.
Upon touching down near the runway midpoint, the aircraft veered to the left, leaving the mown surface and entering long grass. The aircraft traveled approximately 30 meters before nosing over and coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot was discovered by another pilot approximately 39 minutes later. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the canopy, and the left main landing gear, and a fuel leak was noted, though no fire occurred.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft's flight data using a recovered GPS unit, which confirmed the aircraft's track and speed were consistent with previous successful landings at the airfield. The investigation also included a physical examination of the aircraft's landing gear and a post-mortem examination of the pilot.
Engine and flight control systems were found to be fully operational. The investigation focused on the mechanical condition of the landing gear and the timing of the pilot's medical emergency. The post-mortem concluded that the pilot died from a fatal heart attack, and investigators determined this event likely took place after the aircraft had already landed.
Findings
- The pilot's death was caused by a heart attack, which likely occurred after the aircraft had completed its landing.
- The right main landing gear shock absorber was found to be partially seized due to a misalignment of the cylinder and housing, likely resulting from a previous incident.
- This mechanical seizure prevented the right gear from compressing and rebounding normally, which may have caused the aircraft to veer left during the landing roll.
- The aircraft's position at the time of the accident was not visible from the airfield clubhouse due to the runway's upward gradient, which delayed the discovery of the downed aircraft.