What happened
On 29 June 2015, a student pilot was conducting a solo training flight in a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration G-MDBC, at Arclid Airfield in Cheshire. Following a successful flight with an instructor, the student was cleared to perform several circuits and landings alone.
During the landing sequence on Runway 20, the student performed two go-arounds after the first two approaches were deemed unsatisfactory. On the third attempt, the student felt the approach was correct; however, as the aircraft reached the flare stage, it began drifting toward the left. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, and the left mainwheel subsequently struck tall crops growing adjacent to the runway. This caused the aircraft to enter the vegetation and overturn onto its right side. The student was able to exit the aircraft uninjured, despite facing difficulties with a misted visor and tangled wires.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the cause of the lateral drift. Investigators reviewed the flight history, noting that the wind conditions were light, at less as 5 kt down the runway. The instructor had observed the student's approaches and noted that the final approach appeared to be performing correctly before the deviation occurred. Both the student and the instructor were unable to identify a specific mechanical or aerodynamic reason for the sudden loss of directional control.