Aero AT-3 Crashes at North Weald Following Go-Around

Casualties unknown • North Weald Airfield, Essex, GB

A private flight in an Aero AT-3 ended in a crash and post-impact fire at North Weald Airfield after a go-around attempt resulted in an unrecoverable left turn.

What happened

On 9 May 2010, an Aero AT-3, registration G-UKAT, was performing a private flight involving various handling manoeuvres near Chelmsford. The pilot was returning to North Weald Airfield and joined the aerodrome circuit on the downwind leg. During the approach, the pilot encountered strong turbulence and a significant sink rate, prompting the decision to initiate a go-around.

Upon applying full power and retracting the flaps to 15°, the aircraft entered a continuous left turn, deviating from the runway centre line by approximately 45°. Despite the application of full power and control inputs, the pilot was unable to arrest the turn or level the wings. The aircraft headed towards maintenance hangars and trees. In an attempt to avoid hitting the trees, the pilot executed a very tight left turn, which led to an aerodynamic stall at approximately 7/0 ft altitude. The pilot then positioned the aircraft to impact the grass between the perimeter track and the runway to avoid parked aircraft. The impact with a vehicle caused the aircraft to break up and catch fire, resulting in one serious injury to the pilot.

The investigation

AAIB investigators examined the wreckage and reviewed the pilot's account and weather data. The examination of the G-UKAT wreckage found no evidence of structural failure or a malfunction in the flight control system prior to impact, though the intensity of the fire and impact made it impossible to entirely rule out a pre-impact anomaly. Meteorological data from the Met Office indicated a steady northerly wind of 8 to 12 knots at the time of the accident.

Findings

  • The pilot initiated a go-around during a period of turbulence and a high rate of sink.
  • During the climbout, the aircraft entered a left turn that could not be corrected.
  • The pilot's decision to look at the instruments during the go-around diverted attention from maintaining directional control in turbulent conditions.
  • The aircraft's flight path was directed toward buildings and trees, necessitating a steep, high-load turn that induced a stall.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's loss of control during a go-around, exacerbated by a distraction from monitoring instruments during turbulent conditions, which led to an unrecoverable left turn and a subsequent stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-05-09 Aero AT-3 accident near North Weald Airfield, Essex, GB?

A private flight in an Aero AT-3 ended in a crash and post-impact fire at North Weald Airfield after a go-around attempt resulted in an unrecoverable left turn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-05-09 involved a Aero AT-3, registration G-UKAT, at North Weald Airfield, Essex, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's loss of control during a go-around, exacerbated by a distraction from monitoring instruments during turbulent conditions, which led to an unrecoverable left turn and a subsequent stall.

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