Incident
On 13 August 2015 at 1115 UTC, an Ikarus C42 FB80, registration G-JSKY, was conducting a training flight from Broadford Ashaig Airfield on the Isle of Skye to Plockton Airfield in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. The aircraft was under the control of a student pilot for the majority of the flight and during final approach.
As the aircraft crossed the threshold of asphalt Runway 20, a gust of wind caused it to drift left over the grass. The instructor instructed the student to regain the runway centreline. The student did not respond quickly enough and initiated the flare too early, resulting in a reduction in airspeed. Further turbulence was encountered, and the aircraft landed heavily on the grass to the left of the runway and bounced.
At this point, the instructor took control and attempted to recover. However, additional turbulence occurred, and the instructor was unable to prevent the aircraft from stalling and striking the ground in a right wing low attitude. The impact broke the propeller and the nose and right main landing gears. The wing strut was also damaged.
Both occupants, the instructor and the student, were uninjured. The instructor reported that the observed wind at the time was south westerly at about 12 kt and gusting.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, an Ikarus C42 FB80, was manufactured in 2013 and equipped with one Rotax 912-UL piston engine. The commander held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and was 59 years old. He had accumulated 664 hours of flying experience, all on type, with 47 hours in the last 90 days and 18 hours in the last 28 days.
Damage
The damage sustained included the nose and right main landing gears, the propeller, and a wing strut.