Accident Details
On 24 September 2009 at 1150 hours UTC, an Aero AT-3 R100, registration G-SYEL, was involved in an accident on Runway 23 at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. The flight was a private operation with only the pilot on board. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained damage to the lower engine cowling, nosewheel, and propeller.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, manufactured in 2006, was powered by a single Rotax 912-S2 piston engine. The pilot, holding a National Private Pilot’s Licence, was 73 years old and had accumulated 20,300 total flying hours, of which only 3 hours were on type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 9 hours, with 2 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The approach to the grass runway was normal under conditions of light wind and good visibility. After touchdown, the aircraft bounced. The pilot responded by adding power and continuing the approach, but the second touchdown was described as “a little heavy”. Witnesses observed the aircraft land on its nose landing gear, which then collapsed, allowing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft stopped quickly and there was no fire. The uninjured pilot vacated the aircraft without assistance.
Post-accident Findings
The aircraft operator’s maintenance organisation examined the aircraft and found no evidence of any mechanical defect that might have contributed to the failure of the nose landing gear. The pilot commented that he should have executed a go-around after the bounce.