What happened
On 5 September 2012, an Aero AT-3 R100, registration G-SACY, was conducting a private flight from Sherburn in Elmet to Fishburn Airfield in County Durham. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by clear skies and a surface wind of 8 to 10 knots from 330°.
During the arrival sequence, the pilot abandoned the initial approach to Runway 26 because the aircraft was positioned too high on the final approach. While attempting a second approach, the pilot encountered a crosswind component as the aircraft moved into the lee of nearby trees and hangars. As the pilot prepared to reduce power and initiate the flare, the stall warning activated. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall and struck the runway in a nose-low attitude.
As a result of the impact, the nose landing gear detached, and the aircraft came to a stop on its main wheels and propeller spinner. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight path and the timing of the stall warning. The pilot noted that the stall warning had sounded earlier than expected during the approach. Additionally, the pilot considered whether a brief lowering of the nose during the approach might have contributed to the aerodynamic state of the aircraft prior to the impact.