What happened
On the evening of 28 June 2019, a Solar Wings Pegasus XL-R, registration G-MNBI, was conducting a local flight from a private grass airstrip in Rathcash East, Co. Kilkenny. The pilot had previously flown the aircraft earlier that day without issue. During this evening flight, the microlight was observed by several witnesses maneuvering at a very low altitude near the airfield.
As the aircraft proceeded toward the hangar, it was seen banking and swaying erratically. Witnesses noted the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 feet when it struck one of two wooden poles supporting high-voltage power lines. The impact caused the aircraft to fall to the ground near a hedgerow. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed. There was no fire following the impact.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage, the engine, and the fuel supply. While the fuel in the tank was found to be old and had lost much of its volatility, testing confirmed the fuel/oil mix ratio was correct and the engine was functional. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's credentials.
Records indicated that the aircraft had not been maintained in an airworthy condition according to required regulations, as no maintenance or inspection records were available for the period between 2009 and the accident. Furthermore, the pilot's microlight aeroplanes class rating had expired in 2008, and there was no evidence of recent flight training or skill tests.
Additionally, the investigation found that the front seat lap-belt mechanism was heavily corroded. It is believed that the significant forces of the collision caused the latching mechanism to open, failing to secure the pilot.
Findings
- The pilot chose to operate the aircraft at an extremely low altitude, which increased the risk of colliding with the nearby power line infrastructure.
- The pilot likely did not realize the close proximity of the supporting poles while maneuvering at low level.
- The pilot was not properly licensed or current regarding recent flying experience at the time of the accident.
- The aircraft was not being maintained in accordance with required regulatory standards.