Accident Overview
On 15 August 2009, at 1000 hours, an Aero AT3 R100 (registration G-SBRK) was involved in an accident at Halton Airfield, Buckinghamshire, during a private flight. The aircraft was manufactured in 2007 and powered by one Rotax 912-S2 piston engine.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated from Sywell, Northamptonshire, and was en route to Bembridge, Isle of Wight, in company with two other AT3 aircraft. At the time the flight was planned, weather conditions were suitable. However, as the aircraft passed south of Aylesbury and over the Chiltern Hills, rain and low cloud were encountered. The pilot decided to divert, initially to Wycombe Air Park, but as conditions worsened, the diversion was changed to Halton.
Due to poor visibility, the aircraft became separated from each other. Nonetheless, the pilot of G-SBRK could see the other AT3 aircraft on final approach into Halton. He joined the circuit and made a normal approach to land on Runway 20.
Accident Details
During landing, the aircraft touched down on the nose landing gear, which collapsed. This caused damage to the propeller and left wing, and the aircraft came to rest on the runway. Both occupants—the pilot and one passenger—were able to exit the aircraft normally. No injuries were reported.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot subsequently considered that he had allowed the airspeed to drop too low on final approach, and that he should have carried out a go-around. He also considered that he may have been distracted on the approach by the other aircraft, which were in the process of vacating the runway, rather than monitoring his airspeed.
Damage
The nature of damage was limited to the nosewheel, left wing, and propeller.
Commander Information
The commander, aged 57, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had a total flying experience of 57 hours, of which 24 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 10 hours; in the last 28 days, 5 hours.
Source
Information for this article was derived from an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot, as published in the AAIB Bulletin 12/2009.