What happened
On 29 July 2007, a Beagle Aircraft E3 (Auster AOP 11), registration G-ASCC, was conducting a private flight near Filkins, Gloucestershire. The pilot intended to land in a large field and had performed a low approach and fly-past to inspect the landing surface.
During the landing attempt, the aircraft floated beyond the intended touchdown point. Fearing there was insufficient runway remaining to stop safely, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power and resetting the flaps to the takeoff position. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted approximately 20 degrees to the left, placing it on a collision course with a tree at the edge of the field. In an attempt to clear the obstacle, the pilot tried to fly over the tree, but the aircraft struck the upper branches. The Beagle Aircraft E3 fell into the field in a nose-down, wings-level attitude and slid roughly 30 feet before stopping. All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the wreckage.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of events during the aborted landing and the pilot's management of the aircraft. The inquiry examined the mechanical operation of the aircraft's flap system and the pilot's concentration during the critical go-around phase. The investigation established that the pilot's attention was diverted by the manual operation of the flap lever hydraulic system, which required physical pumping to function.
Findings
- The accident was precipitated by the pilot's distraction with the flap lever hydraulic system, which diverted attention away from maintaining the correct flight path.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific go-around performance characteristics of the Beagle Aircraft E3 contributed to the loss of directional control.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact with the tree and subsequent slide.