Accident Overview
On 9 May 2010 at 1324 UTC, an Aero AT-3 single-engine aircraft, registration G-UKAT, was destroyed in an accident at North Weald Airfield, Essex. The sole occupant, a 46-year-old private pilot with 464 hours total flying experience (258 on type), sustained serious injuries. The aircraft, powered by a Rotax 912 ULS piston engine, was manufactured in 2005. The accident occurred during a go-around after an approach to Runway 13.
Flight History
The pilot had completed a short local flight, climbing to 2,800–3,000 ft near Chelmsford to practice turns and general handling for about 15 minutes. Due to Stansted airspace restrictions, he descended in stages before contacting North Weald Radio Air/Ground for joining information. He joined the circuit on the downwind leg for Runway 13, flying a wide pattern to avoid a car racing event on Runway 02/20. On downwind at 800 ft agl, he slowed to 75 kt, lowered flaps to 15°, and trimmed for 70 kt. The base leg was a continuous left turn, descending from 800 to 550 ft. He called finals to the radio operator, who advised of a northerly wind at 8 kt. Expecting turbulence due to wind over nearby trees and buildings, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around if the landing approach was not perfect.
Go-Around and Loss of Control
On final approach at approximately 20 ft and 55 kt, the aircraft encountered strong turbulence and a high rate of sink. The pilot applied power and maintained the centerline at about 10 ft, then initiated a go-around. He applied full power and raised flaps from 40° to 15°. Glancing briefly at the instruments, he looked up to find the aircraft in a left turn, heading 45° off the runway centerline toward buildings and hangars. Despite applying full right aileron and rudder, he could not level the wings or stop the left turn. The aircraft climbed over a line of parked aircraft, still turning left. Approaching tall trees, he made a steep left turn to avoid them; the stall warning activated at approximately 70 ft agl. He put the nose down and reduced the throttle to idle to lessen the left turn, aiming to avoid parked aircraft. The aircraft struck the ground, hitting a car. The pilot suffered a broken left leg and loss of vision in one eye from impact with the airframe. He was rescued by the car's occupants and taken to a hospital.
Wreckage Examination
AAIB examined the wreckage and found no evidence of pre-impact structural failure or control system disconnect or restriction. However, impact and fire damage were extensive, so a pre-impact anomaly could not be entirely ruled out. The landing gear and wings were damaged on impact, and a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.
Weather Conditions
A Met Office aftercast estimated the surface wind at North Weald at the accident time as 040° at 8–12 kt.