Incident Description
On 4 February 2018 at 1240 UTC, a Dynamic WT9 UK microlight, registration G-RMHE, experienced an accident during landing at Lane Farm Airfield in Powys. The aircraft, manufactured in 2007 (serial number DY155), was powered by a single Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The flight was a private operation with only the pilot on board.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report submitted to the AAIB, he had initially performed several circuits at his home airfield before flying to Lane Farm, which features a 730-meter grass runway, to practice additional circuits. On final approach, the pilot believed he was “a bit high” and executed a sideslip to reduce altitude. Upon crossing the runway threshold, he noted the speed was “a little too fast” but expected to decelerate. As the main wheels contacted the ground, the aircraft bounced back into the air by a few feet. Subsequently, the nose dropped, and the nose wheel struck the ground, causing the nose gear to collapse. The propeller also impacted the ground, leading to an engine stoppage.
Pilot and Aircraft Details
The pilot, aged 65, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 631 total flying hours, including 7 hours on the Dynamic WT9 type. In the preceding 90 days, he had logged 14 hours, with 5 hours in the last 28 days. The Dynamic WT9 is a low-wing, all-composite, fixed-wing microlight with side-by-side seating.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to the nose gear, propeller, and engine cowling. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without difficulty. No injuries were reported.