What happened
On 30 November 2014, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-CBVN, was conducting a private flight from the Isle of Bute to Balado Airstrip in Kinross. During the approach to Runway 24, the pilot encountered an area of sink while rounding out for touchdown. This maneuver was further complicated by the pilot being blinded by the intense glare from a low, bright winter sun.
As a result of these conditions, the aircraft made a heavy landing on the right mainwheel, followed by the nosewheel. The nosewheel subsequently dug into the soft grass surface, causing the front forks to bend backward as the aircraft came to a stop. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The AAIB established that the aircraft, a 2002 model powered by a Rotax 912-UL engine, suffered damage to its propeller, pod, and both the main and nose landing gears. The investigation considered the impact of the terrain, the solar position, and the atmospheric conditions on the pilot's ability to execute a smooth touchdown.