What happened
On 25 March 2000, a Morane Saulnier Rallye 110ST, registration G-BPJD, was performing a private flight from a farm strip to Bagby Airfield in North Yorkshire. During the approach to Runway 24, the pilot intended to employ a short-field landing technique due to a lack of headwind and the 3% downhill gradient of the runway.
While on final approach, the pilot deployed full flaps but failed to adjust the aircraft's trim. As the aircraft neared the runway threshold, the airspeed dropped to approximately 40 mph. In an attempt to arrest the rate of descent, the pilot applied back pressure on the control column, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a nose drop. The aircraft impacted the runway on its nosewheel first, causing the gear to collapse. The subsequent impact caused the propeller to strike the ground, resulting in damage to the engine cowling and firewall.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, and both occupants exited the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing technique and the configuration of the aircraft. The pilot identified several contributing elements, including his own limited experience on the type, the omission of proper re-trimming after flap deployment, and the decision to use Runway 24 instead of the alternative Runway 06. Additionally, the absence of a stall warning device on the aircraft was noted.