What happened
On April 6, 2012, a RANS Inc. S-COYOTE 2 microlight, registration G-MYGH, was performing a solo circuit at Enniskean Airfield in County Cork. The pilot, who was familiar with the local grass strip, was executing a landing on Runway 30. During the final approach, the aircraft encountered a sudden, powerful down-draft near the runway threshold. In the process of managing the aircraft's descent, the right main wheel struck and became snagged on a single strand of electrified wire fencing used for livestock containment. This entanglement caused a heavy impact with the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft's engine cowling and the separation of both the nose wheel and the right main wheel.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight history, the physical damage to the aircraft, and the regulatory status of the flight. The pilot reported that the aircraft was approximately 17 meters from the runway threshold when the incident occurred. Physical evidence confirmed that the impact was severe enough to cause significant structural damage to the undercarriage.
Additionally, the investigation looked into the aircraft's authorization to operate in the Republic of Ireland. While the aircraft held a valid UK CAA Permit to Fly, the investigation noted that the pilot had not sought the specific permission required under Aeronautical Notice A19 for visiting aircraft not holding ICAO-compliant Certificates of Airworthiness. The pilot clarified that this was an oversight based on a misunderstanding of the regulations for home-built microlights.
Findings
- The pilot was caught off guard by a strong down-draft just before reaching the runway threshold.
- The aircraft's right main wheel became entangled in an electrified wire fence located near the runway.
- The resulting heavy landing caused the separation of the nose wheel and the right main wheel, as well as damage to the engine cowling.