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Casualties unknown

2007-11-29: Aero AT-3 R100 (G-SPAT) — Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB

Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB

On November 29, 2007, an Aero AT-3 R100 (registration G-SPAT) was involved in an aviation accident near Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire, GB. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered G-SPAT
Aircraft registered G-SPAT. Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 29 November 2007, an Aero AT-3 R100 (G-SPAT) struck a parked Piper PA-28R-200 (G-AZDE) during engine start-up at Elstree Aerodrome. No injuries were reported; the aircraft sustained damage to propeller, cowling, and wings.

Synopsis

The pilot of an Aero AT-3 R100 (G-SPAT) reported that the aircraft moved forward and turned left upon engine start-up, striking an adjacent parked Piper PA-28R-200 (G-AZDE). The accident occurred at 1315 UTC on 29 November 2007 at Elstree Aerodrome, Hertfordshire.

History of the Flight

The aircraft had been parked at Elstree for approximately 30 minutes after a short flight from North Weald. The pilot performed pre-flight checks and started the engine. Immediately, the aircraft began to move forward, turning to the left. The pilot attempted to shut down the engine but was unable to prevent the aircraft from swinging into the parked Piper PA-28, causing damage to its right fuselage side, cargo door, and right flap.

Damage

The Aero AT-3 R100 sustained damage to its propeller and spinner, engine cowling, exhaust, both wing leading edges and upper surfaces, and the left side of the fuselage. The parked Piper PA-28R-200 (G-AZDE) sustained damage to its right fuselage side, cargo door, and right flap.

Pilot's Observations

The pilot concluded that when parking the aircraft and applying the hydraulically operated main-wheel brakes, he may have inadvertently pressed the left pedal more than the right. The park brake is applied by a switch connected to a valve that maintains hydraulic pressure in the brake system, keeping the brakes applied. Operating the brake pedals has no effect while the park brake is applied. The pilot also noted that the engine rpm at start-up was higher than normal, which further exacerbated the situation. After the accident, the pilot tested the brakes and found them to be serviceable.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The Aero AT-3 R100 (G-SPAT) is a single-engine aircraft with a Rotax 912-S2 piston engine, manufactured in 2003. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, aged 44, with a total flying experience of 188 hours, including 23 hours on type. The pilot had flown 16 hours in the last 90 days and 5 hours in the last 28 days. No injuries to the crew were reported, and no passengers were on board.

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