History of the Flight
The pilot intended to practise visual circuits at Newtownards Airport. After preparing the aircraft, he took off from Runway 22 at about 0930 hrs. The runway in use later changed to Runway 04 due to a wind direction change. All visual circuits at Newtownards are flown to the east (right) when using Runway 04.
About fifty minutes into the flight, after touching down on a touch-and-go landing, the engine was heard to increase to what sounded like full power. The aircraft then rolled left at low height soon after becoming airborne. As it continued climbing, the angle of bank increased steadily until, at 80 to 100 ft, the nose dropped and the aircraft descended, striking the grass surface to the left of the runway in a steep nose-down attitude.
Numerous people ran or drove to the aircraft, and a local ambulance arrived shortly afterward. The pilot received first aid and was transported to the local hospital but did not survive his injuries.
At the time of the accident, weather was CAVOK, temperature 13°C, wind from 040° at less than 5 kt.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 55, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence. He had 89 hours total flying experience, with 23 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 4 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour. He began learning to fly microlights in 2008 and passed his General Skills Test in May 2009. He later underwent conversion training on the CT2K and C42 microlights. His instructor described him as “a good, safe and meticulous pilot who took flying seriously.”
Aircraft Information
The Ikarus C42 FB80 is a two-seat, high-wing microlight aircraft, manufactured in 2006 (serial no. 0606-6833). It was powered by one Rotax 912-UL piston engine, driving a three-bladed propeller. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Examination of maintenance records showed it had been maintained per regulatory requirements with no reported performance issues. Twelve days before the accident, the propeller blades had been replaced with new units.
Flight Trial Results
A flight trial in a similarly powered Ikarus C42 assessed handling qualities. The aircraft exhibited strong lateral stability; applying left rudder generated sideslip and a noticeable left roll. The test pilot concluded the aircraft was “very benign” with “good” handling, and it was not possible to replicate a combination of inputs likely to cause the observed behaviour.
Medical and Pathological Findings
The pilot held a CAA Medical Declaration with no limitations, valid until 22 October 2018. His GP was unaware of any condition that would have given cause to suspend it.
Post-mortem examination showed the pilot died from chest injuries. A consultant aviation pathologist noted the pilot had a considerably enlarged heart. He stated that symptoms related to the heart could potentially have caused distraction or incapacitation, but there was no definite pathological evidence that they did so. Toxicology tests showed no alcohol or drugs.
Engineering Examination
The aircraft came to rest about 100 m from the left edge of Runway 04 on a heading of approximately 360°M, having struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude before falling backward. Impact caused significant forward fuselage damage. The pilot’s lap straps were secured; the shoulder harness had failed at its attachment point. The flap handle was up, fuel selector on, and pre-impact throttle and carburettor heat positions could not be determined.
Inspection of the runway showed no evidence of recent propeller strike marks. Continuity of all flying control circuits was confirmed. Approximately 45 litres of fuel was recovered from the tank. No pre-existing defect or restriction was found in the flying controls. The engine and carburettors showed no pre-accident defects preventing normal operation. The recovered fuel met required specification.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the report.