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Stall and crash during approach to Stapleford Airfield (G-AZTL)

Stapleford, United KingdomLanding (descent or approach)

On January 3, 1973, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration G-AZTL) operated by Yewlands Engineering Company was involved in an aviation accident near Stapleford, United Kingdom during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach in adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed in a field near Stapleford Airfield after striking trees during a final approach in poor weather.

What happened

During an approach to Stapleford Airfield, an aircraft struck a line of trees approximately 2,400 meters before reaching the runway threshold. The incident occurred while the flight was in its final approach phase under conditions of low visibility and poor weather. Following the impact with the trees, the aircraft entered a stall and subsequently crashed into a nearby field.

Findings

  • The pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude during the descent.
  • Poor weather conditions contributed to the lack of situational awareness regarding the plane's height above the terrain.
  • The impact resulted in two injuries among the occupants of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach in adverse weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jan 1973 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Stapleford, United Kingdom?

An aircraft crashed in a field near Stapleford Airfield after striking trees during a final approach in poor weather.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jan 1973 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jan 1973 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration G-AZTL, operated by Yewlands Engineering Company, at Stapleford, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach in adverse weather conditions.

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