History of the Flight
The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot's Licence with 292 hours of flying experience (only 10 minutes on the Chaser type), flew his own Pegasus Quantum 912 from Barhams Mill Farm Airfield to a nearby airstrip. There he met a colleague who was piloting a Chaser microlight. The two pilots flew together to a third airstrip before returning to Barhams Mill Farm. After landing, the Chaser's pilot offered to let his colleague fly the aircraft. The Pegasus pilot noted that the Chaser's cockpit was a tight fit for his legs and feet but he was able to make himself comfortable.
The Flight and Landing
The pilot made a short flight in the Chaser, which he reported was uneventful, and the approach and touchdown were without incident. However, after landing, the aircraft began to deviate to the right. The pilot attempted to correct this using the nosewheel steering yoke, which is operated with the feet: pushing the yoke to the right steers left, and vice versa. The throttle control is on the right side of the yoke, and the brake on the left, allowing both to be operated by foot.
Loss of Control
The pilot found that the restricted footwell prevented him from steering left without inadvertently increasing the throttle. When he reduced throttle pressure, the aircraft again veered right. This cycle repeated three times. On the third correction, the pilot over-corrected, causing the aircraft to tip onto its right side. Damage occurred to the wing keel tube and the pylon connecting the wing to the trike. Assistance quickly arrived, and the control frame was moved enough for the pilot to exit the trike unharmed.
Pilot's Comments
The pilot believed he should have spent more time familiarizing himself with the controls on the ground, especially given the limited legroom. He reported no injuries.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained damage to the wing keel tube and the pylon connecting the wing to the trike.