Microlight Aircraft Crash at Mullingar Airfield Following Runway Overrun

Casualties unknown • IE

A Pegasus Quantum 15-912 sustained substantial damage after striking a wire fence during an aborted landing at a waterlogged airfield in Co. Westmeath.

What happened

On 6 November 2011, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration EI-ERE, was performing a private flight from Kilmurry, Co. Kildare, to Mullingar Airfield. The airfield, a short grass strip primarily used for model aircraft, was heavily waterlogged at the time of the approach. Due to the saturated surface, the pilot touched down deep into the 110-metre runway.

As the aircraft attempted to decelerate, the wet conditions resulted in poor braking action, evidenced by deep ruts left in the grass. In an attempt to abort the landing and initiate a go-around, the pilot applied power; however, the right main landing gear intercepted a wire fence located at the departure end of the runway. This contact caused a loss of control, leading the aircraft to impact a steep drainage ditch just beyond the runway boundary. The pilot sustained serious injuries during the impact.

The investigation

The investigation examined the runway conditions, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the airfield's physical hazards. Investigators noted that the runway end was bordered by a deep drainage ditch with an 8-foot drop. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that the pilot's weightshift/flexwing rating had expired and there was no evidence of a valid medical certificate at the time of the accident. The aircraft itself suffered substantial damage to the propeller, keel beam, sternpost, rudder bar, and undercarriage drag brace.

Findings

  • The runway surface was waterlogged, which significantly reduced braking effectiveness.
  • The pilot's touchdown point was far down the short runway due to the unusable state of the normal landing area.
  • The aircraft struck a wire fence during the go-around attempt, which precipitated the loss of control.
  • The airfield's layout presented extreme hazards, specifically the deep ditches at both ends of the strip.

Safety action

  • The investigator suggested that the airfield owner take measures to remove the wooden posts and the wire fence located at the runway end to mitigate future risks.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an aborted landing on a waterlogged, short runway, where the aircraft's landing gear struck a wire fence, leading to a loss of control and a subsequent impact in a ditch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A Pegasus Quantum 15-912 sustained substantial damage after striking a wire fence during an aborted landing at a waterlogged airfield in Co. Westmeath.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration EI-ERE, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an aborted landing on a waterlogged, short runway, where the aircraft's landing gear struck a wire fence, leading to a loss of control and a subsequent impact in a ditch.

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