What happened
On 20 March 2015, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-MYZK, was performing a training flight at Durham Tees Valley Airport near Darlington. While the aircraft was on final approach to Runway 23, it encountered turbulent air conditions. The pilot described the surface winds as being from 280° at 10 to 12 knots and noted the weather felt blustery.
During the final stages of the landing sequence, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the runway surface in a nose-down attitude. Both the pilot and the single passenger sustained minor injuries. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair.
The investigation
The investigation, based on the accident report submitted by the pilot, examined the environmental conditions and the flight parameters during the approach. Investigators looked into the impact attitude and the atmospheric conditions present at the time of the accident. The inquiry focused on the interaction between the aircraft's performance and the turbulence encountered near the landing zone.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered turbulence shortly before touchdown, which may have been caused by large buildings situated upwind of the landing area.
- The approach speed was likely too low for the prevailing blustery conditions.
- The loss of airspeed during the encounter with turbulent air compromised the aircraft's performance at a critical phase of the landing.