Yak C11 strikes tree during first flight on type

Casualties unknown • North Weald Aerodrome, Essex, GB

A pilot conducting his first flight in a Yak C11 struck a tree during approach at North Weald Aerodrome, resulting in damage to the aircraft's wing and flaps.

What happened

On 1 June 2005, a Yak C11, registration G-YCII, was conducting a private flight to North Weald Aerodrome in Essex. The commander, who was performing his first flight in this specific aircraft type, was accompanied by an experienced pilot in the rear seat.

During the arrival at North Weald, the commander began several circuits of the airfield. On the first circuit, the aircraft was found to be too low on the final approach, leading to a missed approach. On the second circuit, a similar low approach occurred immediately after the deployment of flaps. Following a touch-and-go, the aircraft experienced a significant sink rate upon flap retraction.

Despite expressing discomfort with the aircraft's handling, the commander elected to attempt another circuit. During this final approach, the aircraft descended too low after flap selection. The pilot applied additional power, but it was insufficient to arrest the descent. The aircraft struck the top of a tree on short finals, causing the left flap linkage to fail and the aircraft to drift to the left. The rear seat pilot briefly took control to stabilize the aircraft before handing it back to the commander to complete the landing. There were no fatalities or injuries during the event.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the handling of the aircraft and the circumstances of the flight. The investigation noted that the commander was experiencing a high workload due to the unfamiliarity of the aircraft's characteristics. The investigation also looked into the visibility from the rear seat, which was found to be very poor, limiting the experienced pilot's ability to assist with flight corrections during the circuit.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing leading edge, the left flap, and one propeller blade, which suffered shockloading.
  • The commander failed to apply sufficient power to counter the aerodynamic effects of flap deployment.
  • The use of rectangular rather than oval circuits, combined with limited forward visibility, likely hindered the pilot's ability to maintain the correct approach angle.
  • The commander lacked sufficient familiarity with the specific operating procedures and handling qualities of the Yak C11.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to apply enough power to compensate for the sink rate following flap deployment, compounded by a lack of familiarity with the aircraft's handling characteristics.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-06-01 Yak C11 accident near North Weald Aerodrome, Essex, GB?

A pilot conducting his first flight in a Yak C11 struck a tree during approach at North Weald Aerodrome, resulting in damage to the aircraft's wing and flaps.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-06-01 involved a Yak C11, registration G-YCII, at North Weald Aerodrome, Essex, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to apply enough power to compensate for the sink rate following flap deployment, compounded by a lack of familiarity with the aircraft's handling characteristics.

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