What happened
On 3 June 2011, an Aero AT-3 R100, registration G-SKAZ, was performing a private flight arriving at Denham Airfield in Buckinghamshire. During the landing phase on Runway 06, the aircraft experienced a bounce. In the midst of gusty weather conditions, the aircraft developed a left wing-low attitude.
In an attempt to recover from the bounce, the pilot applied full power. This application of power, combined with the aircraft's orientation, created significant engine torque. The pilot attempted to correct the increasing left roll using full right aileron, but the torque caused the aircraft to yaw left. The pilot was unable to counteract this movement with sufficient rudder input. Consequently, the left wing struck the ground, leading the aircraft to cartwheel across the runway.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the pilot's accident report, focused on the sequence of aerodynamic forces during the landing bounce. Investigators examined the impact of engine torque and the pilot's control inputs. The examination established that the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, landing gear, fuselage, canopy, and both wings. No fire occurred during the event, and the pilot escaped without injury.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the uncontrolled left roll and subsequent cartwheel following a landing bounce.
- The application of full power during the bounce increased engine torque, which induced a left yaw.
- The pilot's reliance on aileron input rather than timely rudder application contributed to the inability to counteract the torque-induced yaw.
- Gusty wind conditions at the time of landing further complicated the aircraft's stability during the bounce.