What happened
On 6 November 2014, a P&M Aviation Quik GT450, registration G-MCFK, was involved in an accident at Plaistow Airfield, Hertfordshire. The flight was a private familiarisation session intended to introduce a passenger, who was an experienced pilot of a different microlight type, to the handling characteristics of the Quik GT450.
Following a successful initial circuit and landing, the pilot instructed the passenger to taxi back to the threshold of Runway 30 and repeat the procedure. However, instead of lining up and stopping, the passenger initiated a rolling start with full power and the control bar pushed fully forward. Although the pilot attempted to intervene by pulling the bar to neutral to reduce drag, the passenger pushed the bar forward again at 40 mph, causing the aircraft to stall and lose speed.
As the pilot attempted an aborted takeoff, the passenger applied the brakes, causing the aircraft to skid on the wet grass. Realising the aircraft would not stop before the end of the runway, the pilot steered the aircraft left to avoid a drop onto a nearby road. During this maneuver, the aircraft tipped onto its right side, resulting in no fatalities or injuries but causing substantial damage to the wing, propeller, pod, and right spat.
The investigation
Investigators examined the actions of both occupants and the sequence of control inputs. It was established that the passenger had failed to follow the pilot's specific briefing regarding airspeed and control bar positioning. The passenger could not provide a clear reason for the rolling start or the decision to attempt lift-off at 40 mph, though they noted it "felt about right." Additionally, the passenger admitted to potentially resting their foot on the brake during the pilot's attempt to regain control. The pilot noted that their own level of supervision may have been insufficient due to misplaced confidence in the passenger's experience and the success of the preceding flight.
Findings
- The passenger used an incorrect takeoff technique by applying full power while simultaneously pushing the control bar forward.
- The aircraft's acceleration was compromised by the passenger's attempt to lift off at an airspeed below the recommended 50 mph.
- The application of brakes by the passenger during the aborted takeoff caused a skid on the wet surface.
- The pilot's decision to steer away from the runway edge led to the aircraft tipping onto its side.