Narrative
On 10 April 2019 at 1400 UTC, a private flight in an EV-97 Teameurostar UK (registration G-CETT) was making an approach to land on Runway 08 at Carrickmore Airfield, County Tyrone. During the approach, the pilot encountered turbulent air. The aircraft began to sink, and the pilot applied more power to correct the descent. Shortly after, the aircraft encountered lift, then again began to sink toward the runway. Concerned that the aircraft might stall, the pilot pushed the stick forward. The aircraft then landed heavily, slewing to the right and contacting a metal gate post. The impact damaged the aircraft beyond economical repair. The pilot reported no injuries.
Pilot Information
The 51-year-old pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 220 hours of flying experience, all on the accident aircraft type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, the pilot had flown 20 hours, with 5 hours in the last 28 days.
Aircraft Information
The EV-97 Teameurostar UK is a single-engine microlight aircraft. The accident aircraft, serial number 3006, was manufactured in 2007 and powered by a Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The aircraft type was engaged in a private flight with only the pilot on board.
Remarks
The pilot commented that, in retrospect, committing to a go-around when the sink was first encountered might have been a better option.